Northern Maine Fair much more than just rides
To the editor:
The 157th Northern Maine Fair went very well this year, with almost all comments being positive. More than 5,000 people went through the new “Lil’ Farmers at The Fair” exhibit and the livestock area never looked better or had more visitors.
The agricultural exhibition building also saw more activity than in recent memory including much interest in cooking contests and other programs on the new kitchen stage. There were grandstand programs every night, including the only harness racing to be found in northern Maine.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CHARLIE CURRIER, of Mapleton, prepares to take the “tractor train” and several riders on a brief trip at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle.
Gate receipts were down slightly from the previous year because of weather, although good weather days saw an 8 percent increase in children visiting the Fair. The $7 admission cost ($2 for children ages 7-12, no admission charge for those below age 7) makes the Northern Maine Fair perhaps the best entertainment deal that can be found in The County. That charge provides free access to all programs in the Forum, Music Hall, Ladies Pavilion, before the grandstands and in the forestry and agricultural areas of the fairgrounds. All these programs are funded primarily by commercial and individual sponsorships, or through gate receipts. Indeed, everything is free on the fairgrounds except food and rides, which are not controlled by the Northern Maine Fair Association.
The gate money funds the infrastructural costs of the NM Fair and the fairgrounds throughout the year. This includes maintenance of the grounds and structures, water, electricity, insurance and staff for gate, parking and security during the fair. Most of those running the Fair programs, which amount to several hundred people, are volunteers. No board members receive money for the considerable work they do. The Fair continues to exist because of the tremendous amount of community support from individuals and businesses.
The Northern Maine Fair is an agricultural fair, and increasingly in recent years has taken that label seriously. We strive to preserve and communicate the history and culture of northern Maine. There is no other annual event in The County that brings so many people together. In recent years we have built extensive historical education programs in the Forum and new Agricultural Heritage buildings, added the most diverse music program to be found in The County, and have expanded our child education programs to include more demonstrations and live animals. There are only a few fairs in all of Maine — and none north of Skowhegan — that have strived to appeal to such a wide diversity of interests.
Many fairs now charge additional entrance fees for the grandstand or other programs; we make no additional charges for any program that we control. Producing a diverse and entertaining program that includes motorsports, exotic animals, live music, agricultural education and everything else on our Fair’s very limited budget is no small feat, though this is only one part of the financial costs of a large agricultural fair. Other costs include upkeep, equipment, insurance and security. Some programs require judges from downstate who require stipends and accommodations. Few people comment on the green and well kept lawns, general lack of litter, freshly painted structures and safety improvements throughout the fairgrounds.
The Fair faces many challenges. The Fair infrastructure is aging. Maintenance and repair costs for the grandstands alone amounted to more than $30,000 this year. The bathroom facilities, in particular, need improvement, and the Fair board is working to find resources to do this. We also need to replace most of the wood fencing around the track, the roofing on many of the stables and improve the quality of the roadways. Program costs are also escalating. We are not centrally located on any fair circuit, which makes bringing anything up here more expensive.
For those who wish to support and improve The Fair for another century there are many options. Membership in the Northern Maine Fair Association costs $200 and provides a lifetime pass. Volunteers are needed, not just during The Fair but to assist in the moving and preparation of exhibits, painting, lawn care, bookkeeping and many other chores prior to the event. Many businesses provide services to The Fair at their cost or at no cost. We ask that people consider including The Fair in their estate planning.
The Northern Maine Fair is a considerable asset to our community. Our Fair has changed and adapted in recent years to become better. There was a time not too many years ago when The Fair was known primarily for rides. Those days are past; rides are still there but there is much more than ever before. We are now cleaner, safer, more family-friendly and a better value for the dollar than we have ever been. This is due to the core values and strengths of our community. Northern Maine has a population of people who give much to the institutions that make our region such a great place in which to live. We thank everyone for your contributions to our continuing Northern Maine Fair.
Kevin McCartney,
NMF president
Caribou
