FRYEBURG – Turn-of-the-century horse-drawn wagons under the theme of “Towns and Villages” proved to be a big hit in their first year at Fryeburg Fair.

This year’s fair will feature vehicles used for “Going to the Fair.” Sut and Margaret Marshall of Conway, N.H., will be displaying a new grouping of vehicles during fair week in the 150- by 36-foot show barn built in 2004.

The Marshalls draw from a collection that contains more than 150 wagons from throughout the world.

“We feel this is an opportunity for us to share our collection with locals and visitors from afar,” said Sut Marshall, who owns Abbott’s Ice Cream, distributors of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

The Marshalls had once considered opening a museum in Conway to display the collection, but staffing, security and overhead were significant concerns.

“When the fair suggested setting up a permanent display in a building they would construct, it seemed like the best solution for everybody,” Marshall said.

Some of the classic vehicles on display this year include a stock wagon, an amusement ride lorry, circus cage wagon, bow-top Gypsy Vardo, a canteen wagon, popcorn wagon, fire pumper, a stagecoach, barge “shattuck,” a three-seat surry, a buggy and, of course, the Abbotts’ dairy wagon.

More than a week before the fair, Marshall and a crew that included Larry Cross, Fred Calvert and David Weathers began the slow and methodical process of moving wagons to the fair. He talked about recent additions to his collection as he directed the unloading of two large stagecoaches from a covered trailer.

He bought a Gypsy wagon in Wales and then found another in England, which he bought before talking with his wife. He said he’s still in trouble over that decision.

“They say I have a problem and that I should see a doctor,” Marshall said of his passion for horse-drawn vehicles. “I said OK’ as long as you find one that likes wagons.”

To enhance the display, authorities on horse-drawn vehicles will be on hand to answer questions. The display is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the fair.

“I’m very excited about this,” Marshall said. “Margaret and I really appreciate all the fair has done. We want to do a good job, have it be a fun time for everyone and look forward to coming back next year with a new grouping of wagons.”