OXFORD – Crowds braved the questionable weather Saturday on the final day of the Oxford County Fair to observe the 4-H Day events and to enjoy the sights, sounds, and activities on the midway.
The vendors did a thriving business, with lines forming at most of the food stands. One fair-goer commented, as she dove into a big plate of fried dough, “My arteries can stand this extra load of grease since I only indulge once a year.”
The rides supplied by Smokey’s Greater Shows provided thrills for all ages, from the very young to those who are just young at heart. Owner Bud Gilmore said his company would have to make a speedy exit when the show closed Saturday night, because it opens today at the Farmington Fair.
The Great Frontier Bull Riding show continued to be the biggest attraction at the fair. An hour before the show Friday night there was only standing room left. The enthusiastic crowd appreciated the patriotic emphasis, with the presentation of the American flag, the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the audience, and prayer for the safety of the riders.
Owners Allen Kathevold and Scot Berends arranged a good show. The excitement of the bull rides – a misnomer since most of the riders failed to stay on for the required eight seconds – was interspersed with entertaining activities allowing for participation by the eager audience.
The funniest activity was a contest in which all the children under 8 years old put one shoe in a pile. On a signal, they had to find their shoe, put it on and race to the rodeo clown. The winner won a t-shirt.
A Maine native who had lost everything in the flood of New Orleans attended the rodeo. Hats were passed, and more than $800 was collected to help him and his family get a new start.
The hospitality and friendliness of the Maine folk overwhelmed the members of the rodeo crew. At every opportunity they mentioned how kind people had been to them. The cowboys were especially appreciated by the youngsters who showed up at the daily “Wanna Be A Cowboy” sessions.
One of the riders, Matt Dunsmore, talked about what rodeo has meant to him. Dunsmore is one of the top 15 riders in Minnesota, which qualifies him to appear in the Minnesota State Finals. He was raised in the city, but was fascinated by rodeo.
When he was 13 he had his first chance to ride a bull, and then knew for sure he wanted to be a cowboy. He rode in high school, then got a scholarship to the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Thanks to his riding, he was able to graduate, debt-free, with a bachelor’s degree in art with a minor in sociology.
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