OXFORD — Despite the cancellation of Education Day at the Oxford Fairgrounds on Wednesday, some preschool and home-schooled students visited the fair during the day.

“It’s a lot quieter, but it’s easier to talk to some of the people (who show their animals),” said Cheryl Webber, the mother of Rachel and Hope Webber of Mechanic Falls, who are home-schooled.

After months of discussion about whether the annual Education Day at the Oxford Fair would be held this year, the decision came Monday when Oxford County Agricultural Society Treasurer Lance Bean announced it would not be on the schedule of events.

Education Day at the fair draws hundreds of elementary school students from the Oxford Hills and Western Foothills school districts, and has been ongoing for more than 20 years. It offers activities and demonstrations to educate youngsters about agriculture. The lessons from the fair visit are tied into students’ science and writing lessons, among other subjects.

It appeared that none of the public or private school students who usually attend went this year, despite an invitation from Bean for students to still come to the fair.

The fair did not disappoint those who came.

“I like the bunnies,” said Hope Webber, 7, after touring the barns and seeing a variety of farm animals, including llamas, sheep, cows and pigs.

Her mother, Cheryl Webber, said the Oxford Fairgrounds honored the free pass given to teachers and students on Education Day.

In the 4-H barn, students from Milton Plantation and Mexico were tending their sheep and cows that they will show Thursday and sell at the Oxford Fair market on Friday.

Emily Billings, 12, a member of the Oxford County Beef and Sheep 4-H Club, is spending the week at the fair, camping with her family while she and fellow 4-H members Brook and Courtney Carrier of Mexico prepare to show and sell their farm animals.

The fair will continue through Saturday.

[email protected]