Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The 154th Northern Maine Fair & Music Festival gets under way on Friday, July 25, with entertainment for all ages and interests scheduled throughout the nine-day event. “We’re really excited about the fair, that’s for sure,” said Lynwood Winslow, president of the Northern Maine Fair Association, speaking on behalf of the organization.
In an effort to keep the fair new and interesting, Winslow said participants will see new exhibits, performances and more this year.
“We have some really exciting additions, including Nerger’s Tigers – 11 white tigers and a lion. They’ll put on two shows on weekdays, with three shows scheduled each day over the weekend. It’s a show for the whole family. We’re also excited to have monster trucks performing on two nights,” he said.
A kids’ game night is planned for Tuesday, for ages 12 and under, with children playing to win prizes.
“We’ll have fireworks on Tuesday night as well. We’re trying to do more for kids and families – stay away from the big shows,” said Winslow.
While the Music Festival is in its fourth year, Winslow said this year’s event includes a wider variety of music than in the past.
“In addition to country, gospel and other forms of music we’ve featured in the past, this year we have a little Spanish influence for a Latin Night, July 26, at the Music Festival that includes some local talent – Dr. Jimenez. On Sunday, July 27, there’ll be FIESTA! from 2-8 p.m. that will include Spanish-speaking individuals who are part of our community,” said Winslow.
Winslow said organizers decided to incorporate such activities into the fair this year as a way to welcome the many migrant workers and their families to the fair.
“It’s our way of making the workers in the area feel welcome,” said Winslow.
Visitors may notice a few changes in buildings, with the disappearance of the structure that once housed the petting zoo, thanks to strong winds earlier this year, and construction continuing on the Agriculture Heritage Building.
“The Agriculture Heritage Building is under construction but we hope to utilize part of it this year, with work completed on it by next year. We should have a nice antique farm equipment display there. We’ve extended the rabbit area – the other half of the barn on the midway side will be pens for smaller animals for children to enjoy,” said Winslow, noting the setup actually works well for a petting zoo.
Harness racing, truck pulls and the demolition derby are also scheduled favorites.
“A figure-8 format is being offered to interested participants of the demolition derby. We hope to have a couple demonstration heats to show how it runs – perhaps get participants interested and do the whole thing that way,” said Winslow.
Smokey’s Greater Shows, Inc., returns this year, offering a wide variety of midway rides and activities, with special prices offered on bracelet days on July 27, 29, 31 and Aug. 2.
This year Winslow said the premium booklet was combined with the magazine in order to reach a wider audience.
“The premium book is part of the magazine. It gives more people a chance to participate, having all the forms together with the listing of events,” said Winslow.
Organizers hope by including the forms in the 34,000 magazines they’ve distributed, more people will participate in events ranging from the demolition derby and lumberjack roundup to cooking contests, agricultural and art exhibits.
“The magazine went out in all the County papers this week; we’ve sent probably 12,000 to businesses in the County,” said Winslow. “We wanted to make people aware the fair is open for all to participate, not just select groups.”
Organizers are hoping for good weather. A quick online consult with the National Weather Service, via www.noaa.gov, showed only scattered showers forecast through the weekend.
“We’re hoping for good weather. We’ve put a lot of work into this (the fair). We’re proud of what’s come together,” he said. “We hope people enjoy it.”
Preparations will continue through the end of the week to make sure this year’s event goes as planned.
“We’re very happy with the way things are coming together. It always amazes me how much the community supports the fair – people and businesses alike. It’s been an exciting past two years for me as president,” said Winslow.
For more information, visit www.northernmainefairgrounds.com or pick up a fair magazine for complete listings of events.
