WATERFORD — The Waterford World’s Fair has a new look.

“A back to Earth, down home, country fair, rich with skilled crafters, artisans, musicians and innovators,” is the way vendor coordinator Terry Swett described the changes that include additional land that has been cleared for use, new restrooms, a new barn and mostly a new direction.

The fair, which has been in operation since the 1850s and is run by a group of volunteers, will be held this year from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 15 and 16, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 17. The fairgrounds are on Green Road, off Five Kezars Road, across from Melby’s Market on Route 35.

“I never went to many fairs as a kid, but if you don’t grow up in agriculture you look for rides at the fair,” Swett said of the numerous town fairs in Maine each summer that offer a midway with rides. But finding a midway show that would take on a small, three-day event was tough, he said.

After failing to have a midway for several years, the members of the fair voted last year to do away with the midway and “move in a different direction.” The direction, Swett said, was toward a more cultural, agricultural, arts and music and alternative-energy type of event.

The strong agricultural presence remains. A 24- by 84-foot steer and oxen barn is currently under construction. There will be many livestock demonstrations, working antique farm equipment demonstrations, an “Old McDonald’s Farm,” and much more.

As vendor coordinator, Swett said his job is to scout out unique exhibitors and musical talent.

“We’ve acquired a new sound stage that will shelter 19 music acts over the three days of the fair, including some of southwestern Maine’s most respected acts, such as Rollins, Tyoe and Hobson, Jonathon Sarty and the White Mt. Boys, Heather Pierson, Tricky Britches and Denny Breau,” Swett said.

The fair will also have a glass blower from North Conway, a wood turner from Sebago, people demonstrating fiber weaving and quilting and someone who will make sculptures out of “junk,”  he said.

Swett, a sign maker from North Bridgton who has participated at the fair for the past several years, said he hopes to double the 1,500 or so fair goers this year. “I think there’s a pretty good, positive buzz,” he said of this year’s fair.

The money from the fair goes back into operational budget for next year’s fair.

“We’ve carved a niche for ourselves,” he said.

ldixon@sunjournal.com

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