HOULTON, Maine — A bit of Sunday afternoon drizzle didn’t stop the crowds from packing into the Houlton Agricultural Fair for the Demolition Derby and Midway treats.
The fair ran from Saturday, July 1, to Tuesday, July 4, and the midway carnival was back for the first time in three years, following a COVID-19 break.
Aroostook County families have been coming to the Houlton Agricultural Fair since 1847 and this year was no exception. Families with children and babies in tow were at the fair on Sunday to visit the sheep, goats, pigs and cows, with some toddlers even braving a quick snout pet. Others came for the rides by Smokey’s Greater Shows, some for the exhibits and contests, some for the entertainment and some to savor a little bit of everything.
These two charming girls were happy to see visitors at the Houlton Agricultural Fair on Sunday. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The first fair was 176 years ago and appealed mostly to local residents. But according to historians, in 1858, the Maine Press Association invited editors to travel north to cover the Houlton and Presque Isle Agricultural Fairs.
Houlton Agricultural Fair Vice President Michael Smith said the fair generally draws between 10,000 and 15,000, depending on weather.
A few days before the fair opened, Smith said the food this year was going to be really great and on Sunday the lines were growing, especially for the traditional fair foods of doughboys and french fries.
In addition to burgers and fries, several local restaurants had booths, and local ShireWood SmokeHouse Southern Barbecue and Shiretown Ale House were among those present.
The Houlton Agricultural Fair drew crowds despite a drizzly Sunday afternoon. Alysa Smith was busy drawing caricatures most of the day. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
South Carolina caricature artist Alysa Smith, who visits her father in Houlton every summer, had a popular booth.
Smith said that she learned her art while working for an amusement park and started her own business, Totally Caricature, about eight years ago.
Prior to the fair, Smith said she had a booth at Houlton’s Midnight Madness and she created 88 caricatures that night.
“We have 17 events scheduled for the summer,” she said.
At a recent Houlton Town Council meeting, Police Chief Tim De Luca said that traffic might be a problem, but they had it handled.
On Sunday, there were no problems getting into or out of the fairgrounds.
The Houlton Agricultural Fair drew a large crowd on Sunday afternoon for the Demolition Derby. Here crowds are waiting for it to begin. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The Houlton Agricultural Fair drew crowds for the afternoon Demolition Derby. Here drivers prepare for the event. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The midway food was a hit on Sunday afternoon at the Houlton Agricultural Fair. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The Houlton Agricultural Fair offered workshops everyday. Here, the art of sabers is being explored. (Kathleen Phalen Tomaselli | Houlton Pioneer Times)
