http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110708/NEWS02/707089905
Published July 8, 2011 in the Rutland Herald
Windsor County fair returns after year away
By SUSAN SMALLHEER
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD — The fair its fans call “The Best Little Fair in Vermont” is back after a one-year hiatus.
The Windsor County Agricultural Fair is back with new programs, entertainment and competitions, according to new fair president Eric Johnson.
The fair, which opens Saturday and runs until Sunday, is held at Barlow’s Field in Springfield.
Last year, the fair’s board of directors cancelled the 2010 edition, citing the lack of volunteer help.
But Johnson said the year off helped rejuvenate the fair, which has been held since 1855, with the last 38 years located in the Eureka District of Springfield.
The fair has always centered on things agricultural, but with modern updates.
Johnson said that new this year is a NASCAR simulator on Sunday, and a country karaoke tent and an all-terrain vehicle obstacle course and a demonstration by chainsaw artist Barre Pinske of Chester.
“We have a lot more volunteer help and a real good board of directors,” said Johnson on Thursday morning, as he and former President Bob Allen worked with others to set up the fair.
There are cooking contests sponsored by King Arthur Flour of Norwich — including the best raspberry pie contest on Sunday and a brownie contest for kids ages 8 to 17 on Saturday.
If you are not a baker, but love to makes jams, jellies and relishes, homemade jams and jellies will be judged on Saturday, with relishes and chutneys on Sunday.
Johnson said that while the fair would no longer have its antique tractor-pull contests, there will be a display of antique tractors.
He said the fair’s popular oxen and pony pulling contests have returned. There will be a sheep shearing demonstration and a draft horse competition as well. The popular petting zoo is back as well.
On Saturday, at 1 p.m., Arms for Kids will sponsor an arm-wrestling tournament open to all ages.
The group is a nonprofit charity founded in 2006 by two Claremont, N.H., brothers and raises funds for local children in need. Weigh-ins and registration start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
In addition, there will be a horse show sponsored by the C.H.A.P.S. Riding Club, as well as exhibits including working steers, dairy cows, llamas and alpacas.
Buddy the Clown will be on hand, as will be the local band “The Illusion,” guitarists Dan & Bob, as well as singer Dr. Rogers.
The karaoke contest will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with contests for three age groups, kids up to 16 years old; teens, 16 to 21; and adults, 21 years and up. The music will be strictly country, and no rock music allowed.
Also, as part of a project spearheaded by Eagle Scout Frank Gould of Springfield, the fair will have a new milk promotion booth this year. His entire troop helped build the booth.
Dubbed “The Milk House,” Gould built the eight foot by eight foot building, and it will be a place where fairgoers can learn about milk production, and fairgoers can get a glass of free milk provided by McNamara’s Dairy in nearby Plainfield, N.H.
The ATV obstacle course challenge is being held in partnership with Reading All Terrain Sportsmen or R.A.T.S.
Registration for the competition starts at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday in the upper field of the fairgrounds. Each day will have four classes: two-wheel drive 399cc and under, two wheel drive 400cc and over; four wheel drive 0-500cc; and four wheel drive 501cc and over. Participants must be at least 18 years old and must wear a helmet and safety gear.
Admission is $7. Fair hours will be Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a more detailed list of programs and activities, check the fair’s website: www.windsorcofairvt.weebly.com
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