FARMINGTON — The 5th Annual End of Summer Hoorah at the Fairgrounds this weekend is expected to draw motorcycle riders from across northern New England along with a mix of vintage car and bike collectors, Texas Hold’em players and folks who want to enjoy some good barbecue.
This year, the annual Franklin County Chamber of Commerce event is expanding to three days with new events.
“The weather looks great for the weekend and we are expecting a big crowd,” said Chamber Executive Director Lorna Nichols. “A lot of people make this a weekend trip.”
“We have been doing group rides for several years and normally have 60 or so bikes. Our goal this year is to attract 100,” she said of Saturday’s 165-mile scenic ride.
The route will be through the western mountains to Grafton Notch and on to Errol, N.H., by the White Mountains, and back on Route 16 to Oquossuc and Rangeley Lake. Cash prize raffles will be drawn at four stops along the way. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fairgrounds.
Nichols said interest is high to reserve a place for the Texas Hold’em tournament that starts at 6 p.m. Friday in the Beano Hall at the Fairgrounds. The big attraction, she said, is the 75 percent payout of all proceeds as required by the state to get a license.
The entry fee is $55 and with a maximum number of 100 players, the three top winners could share as much as $3,750, she said.
On Saturday evening, after the Motorcycle Raffle Run, a pig-roast dinner will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. with the meal prepared by Shady Lane Farms. The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple and it is open to the public.
The evening’s entertainment will be the Grid Iron Burnout-Smokeout at 6:30 p.m. in the Pulling Ring where bikers compete in a noisy, smoky contest spinning and burning their back tires.
Prizes are cash and a new tire. There is a $10 entry fee and over $1,000 in cash and prizes. Gates open for spectators at 6 p.m. with a $5 admission fee. There will be a cash bar Friday and Saturday evenings.
On Sunday, the car/bike show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with 25 categories and three awards presented in each class. Nichols said there are usually between 100 and 130 entries that will be displayed around the fairgrounds. Admission for the day is $3 for adults and free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult.
A chicken barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and burgers and hot dogs will be provided over the weekend by Mike’s Snack Shack. Breakfasts will be served starting at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the maple syrup sap house. For information, contact the Chamber at 778-4215 or visit the www.franklincountymaine.org.
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s 5th Annual End of Summer Hoorah will be held at the Farmington Fairgrounds this weekend.
6 p.m. Friday, Texas Hold’em
9 a.m. Saturday, a 165-mile group motorcycle raffle ride
4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, pig roast
7 p.m., Grid Iron Burnout Smokeout motorcycle competition
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, car /bike show
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., chicken barbecue
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