HOULTON, Maine — New attractions and entertainment, as well as the return of many traditional events, will highlight the 2017 Houlton Agricultural Fair.
The fair returns Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4, with four full days of activities. Last year, the fair raised its prices from $10 to $12 for the first time in nearly a decade. That price included admission to all events and unlimited rides on the midway.
This year, however, event organizers are trying something different by charging $6 admission. That price does not include any rides on the midway. Those who wish to ride the rides must pay $19 for an unlimited ride bracelet to enter the park.
There will be on-site parking inside the fairgrounds for $5.
“It [price change] was a very difficult decision for us,” said Fair President Paul Cleary. “Last year, we sold an amazing amount of senior passes and firework passes at a discounted rate. That told us there was a market for people who do not ride the rides. This is a way to accommodate both groups.”
To compensate for the increased cost of ride bracelets, Cleary said there was going to be a wider assortment of midway rides for people to enjoy. The ride bracelet is also good for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. until closing each day.
“If you compare us to other fairs in the state, we are still cheaper than most fairs to get in and you can get a ride bracelet to ride all day long,” Cleary said.
Cleary added that if a parent wanted to purchase individual tickets to go on a single ride with their child, that was an option. Those tickets will be available from the fair office.
Pig scrambles will continue at the fair. Last year, the event sparked considerable discussion when a piglet died after being left inside a vehicle on a hot day.
“We have had more positive comments than we did negative about the pig scramble,” Cleary said. “In fact, I would say it has been about seven-to-one in favor of us continuing with the pig scrambles. We have done pig scrambles for more than 30 years and given away over 900 pigs.”
He said while last year’s incident was unfortunate, it had nothing to do with the fair.
“You can’t legislate stupidity,” Cleary said. “We explain to people what they are supposed to do if they win a pig. When a kid wins a pig, leaves the fairground with that pig, but then sells it to a person who didn’t know enough [to take the animal off the fairgrounds] what can you do? It’s an annual event that most everyone loves and we will continue to hold it.”
Cleary said fair organizers are preparing for protesters by designated a specific area, outside of the fairgrounds, for those who are opposed to the event.
New events will include a woodsman competition for men and women on Monday, July 3. This event features cash prizes for those willing to compete in events such as axe throws, vertical chop, underhand chop, crosscut sawing, hot saw and bow saw.
“This event is being put on by our friends at the Northern Maine Lumberjack Association,” Cleary said. “We have always talked about doing a lumberjack competition because of the area we live in. We have people from Canada and downstate already signed up, and it is open to anyone local too.”
For entertainment, Boston-based magician and comedian Robert Clarke will perform three high-energy shows daily throughout the four-day festival. The family-friendly act features a combination of magic and juggling expertise.
In addition, Bangor-based Elvis impersonator Jessi Mallory will perform two shows Saturday, July 1, and again Sunday, July 2.
A new cooking contest, based on the television program “Chopped,” is being offered this year.
“What people will do is come to the fair office and pick up their fair basket, with a deposit of $10,” explained Cleary. “They will then go home and make something using the ingredients in the basket. When they bring their food item back, they have a choice of returning the basket and getting their deposit back, or they can keep the basket.”
Two adult cooking contests will be held, along with a children’s competition.
The Houlton Fair has been a licensed State of Maine Fair since 1986. Prior to that, records show the Houlton Fair Society has existed since 1898. The Houlton Fair is led by a 15-member volunteer board of directors. In addition, more than 70 people volunteer each year to help make the fair successful.
For more information on events, visit www.houltonfair.com.
