Harmony Free Fair opens Aug. 29

Contributed Article

    HARMONY — This year’s Harmony Labor Day Free Fair kicks off Friday, Aug. 29 with a crowd-favorite truck pull and continues through Labor Day evening with events and attractions for all.
    New events this year include a 5k Run/Walk in memory of John Morrison, a longtime supporter of the Harmony community, on Saturday morning; and a 10-bicycle giveaway for kids on Monday afternoon. A program book, available at fair sponsors throughout the area, provides detailed information about the Fair.

    Put on by the Patriarchs Club, a local community betterment organization, the Harmony Fair does not charge for either admission or parking, a 67-year-long tradition.
    The fair offers something for everyone, from a demolition derby on Saturday to free entertainment all weekend to livestock events that include a sheep dog demonstration this year. Two Coves Farm’s border collies will herd sheep and ducks in an educational and fun display.
    Food is an important part of any fair, and the Harmony Labor Day Free Fair has a wide variety of vendors offering everything from deep fried items to delicious ice cream. Local organizations, including the Harmony and Wellington volunteer fire departments, raise money for their activities through booths on the grounds, as does the Harmony Patriarchs Club.
    Coffee is still less than a buck at the Patriarchs Club booth, and a meal can be purchased for under $5.
    Seven musical groups — the Friday Night Jammers, Bob Elston and the Road Rangers, A-1 Variety Show, 3 Horsemen, EP Rock, Old Blues Kats, and New Relm— perform on stage over the holiday weekend.
    This year an additional stage has been added to accommodate all the entertainment, which includes Conjuring Carroll and Maine-ly Balloons, which is lots of fun for the kids. A talent show on Sunday evening has over $500 in cash and prizes to be awarded by a panel of judges in multiple categories.
    This year’s midway by Kavanaugh Amusements will offer a mega-bracelet good for all four days for $35, the same price as last year.  Single-day ride bracelets will be available too.
    Built jointly by the Patriarchs Club and the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department, an exhibition hall houses fire apparatus and ambulance equipment most of the year and showcases local produce, crafts, and educational exhibits during the fair. Also, a fiber arts barn offers daily demonstrations. A youth livestock show takes place Saturday morning.
    A wide variety of contests offer fun and friendly competition. A cribbage tournament, arm wrestling for both youths and adults, a horseshoe tournament, foul shooting contest, and frog jumping are just a few.
    This year, the draft horse and oxen events will be combined on Sunday morning.  A doodlebug pull takes place Sunday afternoon. The fair’s website, www.harmonyfreefair.org, and Facebook page provide more information.
    Sunday evening the fairgrounds light up with a stunning fireworks display by Central Maine Pyrotechnics. After the fireworks, the Aliza Jean Family Cancer Foundation will have a remembrance balloon release, “Liza’s Lights of Love.” The LED balloons will be available by donation and people can purchase them in memory of a loved one.
    Labor Day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a parade, and the award for best float has been increased to $150. The parade will feature antique cars and tractors, fire trucks, and much more. The horse show, a longstanding tradition in Harmony, begins after the parade.
    The 67th Harmony Labor Day Free Fair closes on Monday evening, Sept. 1, with a grand prize drawing. 
    Over 50 prizes are donated by local businesses and tickets are sold both before and during the Fair. Two grand prize winners will each receive a Husqvarna 450 chain saw donated by Morrison’s Garage.