Two weeks. Fourteen short days. Half of a month. That’s how long it’ll be before the 166th Springfield Fair arrives. September 2-5, Springfield will welcome thousands of avid agricultural fair patrons.
Now known as the Springfield Fair agricultural fair, this fun annual event started in 1851 and help to shepherd in the era of pari-mutuel harness racing. Although no longer used for horse racing, Springfield Fairgrounds is still home to one of New England’s oldest half-mile harness racing tracks. Lovingly founded throughout the 1980s and ‘90s by lifelong Springfield resident, Fernald Linscott, the half-mile oval is now used for truck and tractor pulls and the occasional off season jogger/walker.
For folks attending the fair for the first time, they are greeted by our old, but refurbished, 1890’s vintage covered, wooden grandstand. At 125 feet long, it is by far the longest and oldest building on the grounds. Until the “ice storm” of 1998, we were proud to have maintained a second turn of the century building – our original pavilion. However, that icy week in February of 1998, which devastated so many buildings around northern New England, destroyed our pavilion. Completely rebuilt as a 45- by 85-foot “new pavilion,” it is now primarily used during the fair as an educational and exhibition center. Off season sees family reunions and wedding receptions, while boat and automobile storage, during the winter months, helps to pay the taxes.
For 2016, the current fair management has added a number of new events to help bring in fair-goers from all over northern New England and maritime Canada. Two of these events are scheduled for Sunday Sept. 4. At 3 p.m. quarter scale lawn tractors will be pulling in front of the grandstand. And to close out the night, at 7 p.m. our first-ever hypnotist will be performing on our main stage ‚Ä“ the Moore’s Family stage.
Hypnotist Jerry Valley hails from the Boston area. He has entertained audiences all over the world, and for two days, he will be providing fair-goers in Springfield with belly laughs and knee-slapping antics as he attempts to hypnotize 20 people at once. This should be a night to remember.
Monday, Sept. 6 at 12:30 p.m., our final day of the fair, will offer our first-ever power wheel derby. For kids ages 4-7, they can bring their power wheel (battery-operated) “car” into the fair and drive in their very own demolition derby in front of the grandstand.
The start time will be 2 p.m. for Springfield’s own professional wrestling. Ninety minutes of fun in the “squared circle” featuring some of Maine’s most entertaining wrestlers. From the Scufflin’ Hillbillies to WWE superstar and pro wrestling Hall of Famer – Tony Atlas, this show promises to go by far too quickly. Rumor has it that local redneck wrestler Clyde “the Hammer” Thornton wants to return to the ring to avenge an earlier loss to little Katie Krapf. You’ll have to come to the fair on September 5 to see.
We will have “Moose Mania” Monster Truck out of Danforth, offering rides through the fair. This is our first-ever Monster Truck Rides – and they will be with us all weekend long. Come say “Hi” to Ryan and Holly and get a ride in the big, bad, Monster Truck Moose.
Immediately following the wrestling matches, Jerry Valley returns to the stage for his closeout 90-minute performance.
And to wrap up the 2016 Springfield Fair we will feature our annual Giant Prize Giveaway. The grand prize is a used, but beautiful Buick LeSabre. All fair-goers, who pay to enter the grounds Monday, will have a chance to win one of many prizes. The prize giveaway will start about 5:45 p.m.
As the local folk know, we feature many motorsport events throughout the four-day fair. Opening night will see the demolition derby at 7:30 p.m. Under the lights dust and smoke will roll as local legends try to be the last man, or woman, standing. With the spirit of Marty Worster sure to be riding shotgun, we expect a great show.
Saturday, will see Maine’s longest running truck pulls beginning at 3:30 p.m.. All classes, including street, will run on Saturday. Sunday features a huge antique tractor pull and also our own auto show with vehicles from 100 years ago to late models.
Friday is Military Night with all active duty and veterans getting in at no charge. Thank you all for your service. Sunday is Police Recognition Day. Any U.S. law enforcement office showing their badge is gratefully admitted free. And Monday is Senior Citizens Day with folks age 62 and older gaining free entrance.
For the average fair folks, pricing remains the same as last year. $5 for ages 3-18 and $10 for ages 19 and older. Carnival ride bracelets can be purchased in the midway for $10. They include all carnival rides all day long.
For more information go to www.thespringfieldfair.com. Information flyers and program books are now in a store or local business near you. Please thank our sponsors and advertisers as they help to keep the fair affordable! See ya at the ole fayuh! September 2-5. Route 169/Park St., Springfield.
