OXFORD — When Gerry DeShon went to the Oxford County Fair as a young mother in the 1950s, the fair was at the site of the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Route 26 in Paris.
“It was a lot of agriculture. There were many more animals, but I think they’re working on it,” she said.
Her comments reflected concern expressed by some fair-goers in recent years that the fair has become more commercialized in its present site off Pottle Road.
“They’re gaining every year,” agreed her friend, Barbara Roy, also of Oxford, another longtime fair-goer.
The pair were two of dozens of senior citizens who came to the fair early Thursday morning to enjoy a day of music, food, entertainment, animals, demonstrations and exhibits, and even free flu shots provided by the local Rite Aid.
Their memories of the fair went back decades.
Most recalled seeing more animals, but all agreed that the fair is returning to its agricultural roots and is a lot of fun for all.
“Two of my kids are here now. They have kids now, too,” DeShon said from a seat at one of the many senior citizen tables Thursday morning.
The fair dates back 163 years. Until the 1960s, it was held where Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School stands.
The Oxford County Fair is organized and put on each year by the Oxford County Agricultural Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised solely of volunteers. In 2006, it was named most improved small fair in the state by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs.
On Friday, the fair continues with the popular Woodsmen’s Day and youth market lamb and beef auction, horse pulling, harness racing and pig scramble.
On Saturday, the fair concludes with more demonstrations, contests and exhibits and the stage shows with Devina Leone at 1 p.m., Caroline Cole at 6:30 p.m. and legendary country singer Kenny Rogers at 8:30 p.m.
Smokey’s Greater Shows is providing the midway rides.
ldixon@sunjournal.com
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- Hazel Ward and Don Davis of Harrison dance to the tunes of the Jones Dance Band of Waterford during Community Day at the Oxford County Fair in Oxford on Thursday. The couple joined scores of other seniors for special events.
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- Gerry DeShon of Oxford, left, shares a laugh with her friend Barbara Roy, also of Oxford, as they recount the earlier years of the Oxford County Fair. The women attended Community Day at the fair on Thursday in Oxford.
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- Junior equestrians were judged on a variety of skills, including trotting and correct gaits during the 4-H horse shows Thursday at the Oxford County Fair in Oxford.
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- The Jones Dance Band of Waterford entertained scores of senior citizens at the Oxford County Fair on Thursday.
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