The ‘best fair around’ opens Thursday
Piscataquis Valley Fair promises something for everyone
By Jason Agrell
Special to the Piscataquis Observer
You may have been to the Piscataquis Valley Fair before, but you’ve never been to this Piscataquis Valley Fair. The fair is in its 129th year of delighting folks of all ages with midway rides, agricultural exhibits, music, and neighborly competitions. At this year’s fair you’ll find all of the things you’ve come to expect, and a whole lot more.
Organizers are excited about brand new updates to the Animal Land area of the fair, including improved pens, allowing children to become better acquainted with the animals there on display. Also, a brand new hand-washing station has been installed in the animal exhibit area to keep animal lovers clean and healthy after petting their animal friends.
Musical entertainment will kick off Thursday night with the Foxcroft Academy Band taking the stage at 5 p.m., followed by Tyler Healy at 8. Friday night organizers are proud to present, SCARAB, a Journey tribute band that has played all over the United States. That show also begins at 8 p.m. Finally, wrapping up the musical acts on the big stage will be Sharon Hood & Dixon Road, a modern country/classic rock band from central Maine, Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The Miss Maple Pageant, after being a hit last year, will return to the fair for its second year. Girls in three age classes, (1st-4th, 5th-8th, and 9th-12th grade) will compete in three categories – Formal Wear, Agricultural Wear, and Talent. First prize in each age class will be crowned, and will receive a sash and $50 prize. The winner of the 9th-12th grade class will also receive a $100 scholarship.
For motorsport lovers, the fair will offer classic events including truck, farm tractor, and garden tractor pulls, an antique auto parade and display, figure-eight racing, the Dick Collins Memorial Doodlebug Draw, demolition derby, and a “tuff truck” competition on the best “tuff truck” track in the state.
A new event this year will be a pro-modified demolition derby, on Sunday at noon, which boasts vehicles with enhanced safety features, and most importantly, more power. Also new to the list of events will be a “Power Wheels” demolition derby, (during the regular demolition derby, Sunday at 3 p.m.) a battery-powered demolition showdown open to any size and age appropriate children. Racers may enter their own vehicles, or sign up for a chance to race one of a number of vehicles provided by fair organizers.
No matter the age or interests of a fair-goer, the Piscataquis Valley Fair has something for everyone. When asked why people should attend this year’s fair, Fair Association Secretary, Donna Weymouth said, “just because we’re the best fair around!”