Springfield Fair builds strong following as agricultural, entertainment event

   SPRINGFIELD, Maine — Since 1851, the Springfield Fair Association has prided itself on providing one of the best agricultural and entertainment events in the state.
Kirk Ritchie and John Krapf are a big reason for the fair’s success, having taken over management in 1991. The two have invested a large amount of time, energy and resources into making the fair one of the state’s most well-known and respected attractions.
Located just 58 miles southwest of Houlton on Route 169, the Springfield Fair is a family-friendly event that offers many games, competitions, truck and tractor pulls, livestock, entertainment, and of course midway rides.
Since Ritchie and Krapf took over, the two have invested in excess of $500,000 into renovations to the park’s facilities. They also rent portions of the fairgrounds for weddings, parties, reunions, dances and concerts, as well as boat and vehicle storage.
The fair employs four part-time, year-round people and more than 100 seasonal workers.
“All of our employees focus on customer service,” said Ritchie. “We need folks to return day after day and year after year. There are too many other options for the public’s entertainment dollars for any of my employees to misstep and upset just one customer.”
Krapf added the quality of entertainment, along with the variety of performers, is another key to their success.
“We have an impressive display of livestock, antique tractors, and baking contests,” he said. “Our exhibition hall has been voted as Maine’s best twice since 1991. We award thousands of trophies and ribbons each year, while also paying out more than $20,000 in prize money.”
“The fair is well worth the trip from the County,” added Ritchie. “We may be the best value for your entertainment dollar.”
This year’s fair runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 and is one of Maine’s 26 licensed agricultural fairs. For more info, visit www.thespringfieldfair.com or email jo65nh@yahoo.com.