By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
According to the Fair Association, just under 12,000 people attended the 4-day festival that usually pulls in almost 14,000. “The weather hurt us,” said Paul Cleary, president of the fair who coupled that assessment with the good news of their “biggest opening ever on Thursday.” He said instead of the usual 700 to 1,000 visitors on opening day, they hit a record with 1,237 passing through the gates. And, he added Derby Day was big, too. The crowd numbers swelled from the typical 2,200 or 2,400 to 3,200.
Visitors came not only from all parts of Aroostook County, they came from various parts of the country — often visiting family and friends.
Talent was everywhere from the fairgrounds to the exhibit hall. And, there was something for everyone. at just about anytime from start to finish each day. There were, of course, games, rides, fair food, animal shows and sales, entertainment for children and contests for cooking, eating, karaoke and more. Exhibitors set up tents with jewelry for sale, evangelism and there was even a tent for bingo where players listened for the heartening sound of the number that would fill in a winning line.
Highlights
Upon entering the Fair, and walking toward the hub of activity it was not uncommon to see people walking away from the Little Red Snack Shack concession. Customers were laden with enormous bowls of ribbon fries and chicken fingers. At $6, the purchase was enough to feed a couple of people, at least. But, of course it’s intended for one. Jordan Davidson said he comes in every summer from Ft. Worth, Texas for the Fair as he reached for his mammoth bowl of deep fried food.
Entertainment
The entertainment tent seemed to be a non-stop extravaganza of talent even if Elvis was a “no-show.” It might have been fun to see the Elvis impersonation, but between Dan Grady with his marionettes, the cash cube money grab, Fireman Fred Parsons and the karaoke contest, no one seemed to complain.
The finals of the karaoke contest on Saturday were exceptional — particularly when it came to the adults. For the first time, there was a winning tie between two men. Most of the adults took it to the upper levels and sounded like professionals. The temperatures may have cooled off outside, but the heat was on in the entertainment tent.
The talent was so formidable, that Fireman Fred said he would not want to have to choose a winner in what was their biggest and most incredible talent contest. After a break for fireworks, Parsons treated the audience of at least 300 to a musical interlude that included a heartwarming tribute to the late Michael Jackson. As he sang “I’ll Be There,” hands went up in the air and arms started swaying back and forth in unison. On a patriotic note, he concluded with Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” Then, the judges came back with news of the winners.
Eric Lunt of Fairfield had the crowd going wild as they sang along with his styling of “Mustang Sally.” Lunt tied with Todd Corey of Mars Hill in the adult category. Both won $75 cash and $75 in mall gift certificates. Melanie Biggs of Caribou walked away as the junior winner with $50 cash and $50 in mall gift certificates. In the children’s category, Noelle Bailey, 11, of Mars Hill took home $25 cash and $25 in mall gift certificates. Caroline and Dick Hallett of Mars Hill said they attend the fair every year and were particularly impressed with the talent this year.
Sights and sounds
The whir of mechanized rides, the squeals of delighted children, the pop of balloons at arcade games and the sizzle of fried dough, sausages and other Fair delicacies and the general lighthearted tone of the Fair were testament to its success despite the constant threat of rain.
Young people lined up for temporary tattoos at Tatitude where Bernadette Farrar had a nearly infinite selection of designs she customized for walk-up clients.
Back at the entertainment tent Jay Bellomo of Caribou, who came with family and friends said he was ahead after plunking down $5 for a chance in the cash cube. He grabbed $26 of fake money in the 20-second musical flurry and turned it in for real, cold cash.
And, the search for the perfect spare rib may be over thanks to transplanted New Hampshirian, Carol Thurston. Now Houlton’s own, Thurston walked off with a crown and a trophy.
See the Sports Section for more Fair photos and watch next week’s Pioneer Times for more Fair coverage.
