Fair time again
Walkabout: PI
Happenings in the Star City
Bright lights, hoofbeats on the track, the whirring of carnival rides — and the smells of sausages and onions, cotton candy and (of course) french fries — it all means one thing: It’s fair time again.
The Northern Maine Fair (this year July 29-Aug. 6) has seen many changes over the years, but some things never change: squealing and laughter from the rides; kids toting stuffed animals; long lines at King and Queen french fries; the bell heralding the last minutes of betting, before the horses gather at the gate — the excitement that can turn anybody into a kid again.
I remember when I was a child, the midway opened in the morning; there were horse shows and pulling, harness racing in the afternoons, shows in front of the grandstand, the beano tent, the exhibition hall and the flower show (which at one time was on the second level under the grandstand). My mom and aunt and I would spend the day, and my dad and uncle would join us after work as sun set and the lights began twinkling.
Then there was the time I wanted to go on the Ferris Wheel. At 20-something, I thought sure I could handle it just fine. I think my dad had other ideas, but he affably accompanied me. We fastened the little bar — that unbelievably tiny little bar — into place, all that stood between us and space.
Okay, I thought, deep breath. Look at the pretty lights. Then we started moving. I was fine when we ascended the back of the wheel, but when we came over the top — there was some mighty praying going on. I shut my eyes and (OK, I confess!) whimpered a bit until at last we slowed to a stop. Disembarking, I very nearly kissed the ground.
Now, though the midway opens a little later on some days, there is an evolving list of attractions: “Li’l Farmers” for the kids, music, a car show, pageants, agricultural and other exhibitions, the popular truck and tractor pulling, demolition derby, fireworks, this year’s Flying Wallendas, and the annual Baby Beef Auction, to name just a few.
A major draw at an agricultural fair is, of course, the animals. Over at the 4-H and livestock area, the barns are filled with goats, sheep, cattle, alpacas and even rabbits, and the petting zoo invites all to wander through and examine some specimens up close (but not too close!). Activity starts early in the morning there, as folks feed and groom their specimens, give demonstrations and get ready for the show ring.
One of the hubs of activity is the 4-H food booth, manned by local 4-H clubs and families. Often you’ll find parents in the kitchen, with young 4-H’ers preparing tables and serving customers. A labor of many hands, the booth keeps everyone nourished and provides a bright gathering place for lots of conversation.
The current booth has actually had a rebirth from the ground up, having burned some years ago. Its rebuilding was the result of many hands and donations, which are acknowledged with thanks by an engraved plaque displayed on the wall.
This is where you can hear news about last night’s racing, whose vintage auto is over in the car show, which sheep balked at the shearing — and even politics. A group of young people were there Sunday morning companionably discussing the presidential race over breakfast.
“It’s [insert name] all the way.”
“What, are you foolish, dude?”
“Yep, all the way.”
“Well, I think [insert name] is clueless.”
“Oh, yeah?” around a mouthful of food.
(A few bites; silence.)
“Well, they just need to pay attention to people like us.”
“Yep.”
“Hey, these pancakes are good.”
“Mmmm.”
And on it goes.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I still love the fair and all the hubbub — which I enjoy greatly, from the ground.
