Win a Car or $1,000 at the Fair.

After 32 years I can no longer say that I am an owner of the Springfield Fairgrounds. I’m kinda lost. Although my lovely bride would say that my being kinda lost is more of a daily occurrence. The historic Springfield Fairgrounds was finally sold to Ashley LaDuke and Dustin Gordon, last week. They are now the trusted caretakers of our beloved Elmwood Trotting Park, “Drunkards Reunion”, Springfield Fayuh. Congratulations guys. Go get ‘em! In April of 1991, Kevin (brother) and I took over the fairgrounds. We had absolutely no idea what to expect. We just started cleaning things up, tearing down old buildings and try to “move ahead”. Fortunately for us, there were many local people who had a long history with the fair and they were not just willing to give us a change, but ready to jump in and help. From day one there were folks driving out to see the improvements and clean up. They offered help, money, materials, and moral support. I had just moved back to Maine from Virginia and was working in Portland. Friday afternoon I would drive to Springfield. Work on the fair all weekend and return to Portland either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. It was fun and exciting … and scary. I was 30 when I started with the fair. Dustin and Ashley are lots younger than that. But they have the same passion that we did – looking to make lots of improvements and bring the fair back to the limelight. As they travel along on their journey, they’ll hit many bumps in the road. It’s inevitable. Running an agricultural fair requires lots of time invested – pretty much on a year round basis. They’ll also need some good luck and patience. Most importantly, they’ll need your support. They intend to run more events than John and I were able to. They’ll need folks to attend the events, helpers to operate food concessions, run events, park cars and handle security. And they’ll need sponsors. For 32 years I sweet talked, cajoled, begged a bit, laughed with, laughed at, and shared stories regarding the fair with our many incredible sponsors. Without the continued support of the local and regional businesses – the fair could not operate. The financial support is important. But the moral support is key. Without the regular feedback from all of you, who have loved the fair for so long, it would not have survived. Thank you. I wish that I could list every sponsor who has been a part of the fair for so long. It’s just not feasible. So please accept this as my (our) heartfelt thanks. And for the wonderful crew of folks who have volunteered to help put the fair on each year, you’ll have our eternal gratitude. We have been so fortunate to have had hundreds of people help us over all these years. Some were teenagers who helped park cars. Others worked the gate or in a concession while our “mainstays” made sure that the events were well organized and run smoothly. Your help, good attitude and willingness & ability to work so well with the public was needed and appreciated. To all of you who have worked side by side with us at the fair – thank you. John and I will miss that aspect of our relationship.

Exhibit Hall As we say good-by to another fair a new chapter is about to begin. The Exhibit Hall was very busy this year. We had a total of 30 people entering 184 items. There were many wonderful comments about the quality of the work coming into the hall. The judges were pleased with the increase we have had in the vegetable display and that people are starting to use the seed swap. This year Karla Marvin did a fabulous vegetable, herb and floral display which gave her the Best of Show, as well as, the Nesin Award. Alberta Owen received Spirit of the Fair Award for her continued support in entering items into the fair. Thank you Lori for helping to get mom’s things to us. This year Marilyn Worster won the Valued Senior Award. I appreciate all of you that brought things in to enter. Hope to see all of you next year as well as any newcomers. Keep up the good work. See you next year, Pamela Demo Derby---13 Cars Heat Winners Heat 1 1st Chris Woodard 2nd Dustin Gordan 3rd Deacon Connors Heat 2 1st Devon Peters 2nd Sheldon Woodard 3rd Spencer Johnson Overall Winners 1st Chris Woodard 2nd Devon Peters 3rd Dustin Gordan & Sheldon Woodard Best Paint 1st Spencer Johnson #58 2nd Deacon Connors #248 3rd Dustin Gordan #1 Classic and Antique Car Show---31 Cars Antique to 1949 1st Bryce Clay 1946 Chevy Pickup 1950s 1st David York 1954 International 2nd John Brown 1956 Ford F100 3rd Herb Northcote 1951 Pontiac Cheifton 1960s 1st Grant Clay 1966 Chevy Chevelle 2nd Patrick James 1963 Ford Fairlane 500 3rd Sonny Hornbrook 2964 Chevy Super Sport 1970s 1st John Boutot 1970 Chevy Chevelle 2nd James Smith 1970 Porshe1914-6 3rd Tom McLaughlin 1976 Chevy Impala 1980s 1st David Stevens 1988 Chevy Camero 1990s 1st Francis Willette 1999 Ford Mustang GT 2nd Joanne Pottle 1999 Chevy corvette 2000-2009 1st Paul Fitzgerald 2009 Ford Mustang GT California Special 2nd Kim Sherburn 2004 Ford Thunderbird 2010-Current 1st Matthew St. Peter 2016 Chevy Corvette Street 1st Daniel York 1929 Model A Muscle 1st Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro 2nd Kevin Steward 1972 Dodge Charger 3rd Kristie Cooper 1968 Chevy Chevelle 4 Wheel Drive Truck 1st Dan Goll 1959 Chevy Napco 2nd John Duvall 1991 Dodge 150 3rd John Prior 1974 Ford F250 2 Wheel Drive Truck 1st Wayne Williams 1982 Chevy C-10 2nd Denis Bachelder 1955 Chevy 3100 3rd Duane Furlong 1960 Ford F-100 Corvettes 1st Robert Davis 1968 Chevy Corvette 2nd Roger Holst 1966 Corvette 3rd Gary Dougherty 2002 Corvette People’s Choice Award Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro Best of Show Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro Whoopie Pie Contest---4 entries 1st Becky MacIlroy 2nd Deborah Tilton 3rd Alan Dill Open Pie Contest---1 entries 1st Deborah Tilton $100 Prize Drawing---34 participants Age up to 10 years Kolt Dennison Ages 11-18 Caleb Knight Kids Woodsman Day----24 participants Log Roll 1st place Henry Doane 2nd place Bates Bradford 3rd place Jensen Powers PMP 1st place Ethan Friend 2nd place Stephen McDunnah 3rd place Colby Doane Speed Cut 1st Dakota Knights 2nd Colby Doane 3rd Stephen McDunnah Log Roll 1st Ashton Powers 2nd Caleb Knights & Connor Pickering 3rd Isabella Bui & Rivers Bradford PWP 1st Rhianna Duval 2nd Caleb Knights 3rd Ashton Powers Speed Cut 1st Ashton Powers 2nd Rhianna Duval 3rd Caleb Knights Kids Tractor Pulls---16 participants Ages 2-5 1st Remy Bradford 2nd Henry Doane 3rd Kolt Dennison 4th Ellie McDunnah 5th Colton Grahm Ages 6-11 1st Ashton Powers 2nd Bates Bradford 4th Stephen Staples 5th Jensen Powers Children’s Day Events---17 Participants Oreo Cookie Stacking 1st Caleb Knight 2nd Dakota Knight 3rd Lily Mitchell Bubble Gum Blowing 1st Lily Mitchell 2nd Esthella Dill 3rd River Bradford Sack Race Ages 9 and under 1st Colt Bradford 2nd Dominic Tash 3rd Ethan Vadakin Ages 10 and older 1st Jonah Stanley 2nd Lily Mitchell 3rd Esabella Bui Pig Scramble---21 Participants Winners Ashton Powers Caleb Knights Tristen Lambert Johnathan Ethridge Alina Emery Dawson Freeman Colt Bradford Eel Racing---28 Participants Scavenger Hunt---7 Participants Piñata---12 Participants Ethan Friend---winner Kaiden Russell Alexia Russell Sam Libby Kolt Dennison Anthony Modarelli Chris Modarelli Caleb Knight Dakota Knight Rubie McLaughlin Colby Doane Henry Doane Ethella Dill Dylan Moore Women’s Triathlon---12 Participants Skillet for Accuracy 1st Elizabeth Chanpagne 2nd Natalie MacIroy 3rd Aimee Donavan Toilet Seat for Distance 1st Shelby Bradford 2nd Emma Gerkin 3rd Elizabeth Champagne Mop Chuck for Distance 1st Shelby Bradford 2nd Elizabeth Champagne 3rd Emma Gerkin Overall Winners 1st Elizabeth Campagne 2nd Shelby Bradford 3rd Emma Gerkin Northern Maine Antique Tractor Pull---17 Tractors 2000 1st Candi Foster 2nd Dennis Quint 3rd Emily Folsom 3000 1st Chad Ouellette 2nd Dennis Quint 3rd Meredith Folsom 4000 1st Dennis Quint 2nd Paul Folsom 3rd Chris Folsom 5000 1st Peter Folsom 2nd Sonny Folsom 3rd Thomas Jordan 6000 1st Emily Folsom 2nd Chris Langille 3rd Pat Rivard 2500 1st Candi Foster 2nd Larry Foster 3rd Emily Folsom 3500 1st Dennis Quint 2nd Roger Quint 3rd Chad Ouellette 4500 1st Dennis Quint 2nd Chris Folsom 3rd Paul Folsom 5500 1st Scott Jordan 2nd David Leighton 3rd Peter Folsom 6500 1st Pat Rivard 2nd Chris Langille Horse Show—6 participants Halter Western Horse 1st Brooke Thompson 2nd Lauren Page 3rd Nevaeh Ethridge English Horse in Hand 1st Lauren Page Showmanship Ages 6-12 1st Nevaeh Ethridge Showmanship Ages 13-17 1st Lauren Page 2nd Brooke Thompson Walk/Trot Equitation 12 and Under 1st Nevaeh Ethridge English Equitation Ages 13-17 1st Mirage Priller English Equitation Ages 18+ 1st Cora Hicks 2nd Lauren Page English Pleasure Ages 13-17 1st Mirage Priller English Pleasure Ages 18+ 1st Lauren Page 2nd Cora Hicks English Pleasure Stakes 1st Mirage Priller 2nd Lauren Page 3rd Cora Hicks Equitation Over Fences 1st Cora Hicks 2nd Mirage Priller 3rd Lauren Page Jumping 2 ’ 1st Mirage Priller 2nd Cora Hicks Western Walk/Trot Equitation Ages 12 and Under 1st Neveah Ethridge Western Equitation Ages 13-17 1st Mirage Priller Western Walk/Trot Equitation Ages 18+ 1st Lauren Page 2nd Brook Thompson Western Pleasure Ages 6-12 1st Nevaeh Ethridge Western Pleasure Ages 13-17 1st Mirage Priller Western Pleasure Ages 18+ 1st Lauren Page 2nd Brooke Thompson Western Pleasure Stakes 1st Mirage Priller 2nd Lauren Page 3rd Nevaeh Ethridge Trail Class Ages 12 and Under 1st Nevaeh Ethridge Trail Class Ages 13 and over 1st Lauren Page 2nd Mirage Priller 3rd Brooke Thompson Egg and Spoon 1st Mirage Priller 2nd Lauren Page 3rd Nevaeh Ethridge 4th Brooke Thompson Grand Prize $1,000 Winner Allen Dill

As my tenure as an owner of this grand old fair comes to an end, I think back on all of the wonderful people who have helped make the Springfield Fair so unique and special. Many good friends and family members have passed on. To be fair, I’ve been an owner for only 31 years. This ole girl was started back in 1851. There must have been thousands of dedicated local people who helped build our fair into the special event and unique part of the local history that it is today. 2022 Fair Schedule: View Now To name a few (please forgive me if your family member’s name is not noted here. There have been far too many to mention – but they will always be remembered) – my mom, Elizabeth Ritchie, who loved to bake, coddle, encourage and smile while staffing the information booth with Ken and Tina . Normie Ham who worked tirelessly to prepare our facility for the thousands who unknowingly walked across his recently cut grass. Tim Blanchard – always offering Joanne’s help in whatever venture or project he felt worthy ---- for her to do. Charlie Simpson , a kind and good natured, perfect example of what makes the Fair special. Dick Curless – our first famous performer who loved the Springfield Fair like no other. Pauline Arbo who raced into the beano hall every year to try and enhance her kid’s inheritance with fresh bingo winnings. Roger & Terri Stacey – he for many years of quietly keeping the grounds safe and clean – she for forcing me to see the fair through the eyes of an excited Springfield (Lakeville) inhabitant. Jason Ham … “I’ll tell ya one G.D. thing” – always a laugh while he brought his dog Laddie to take/leave a fresh pile on our lawn. Clayton & Claire Raymond – always there and ready to help. Fernald Linscott – telling stories of yester year by starting out contemplatively “I’m just a simple man” … and then giving a brief lesson in local history. Hazen Sawtelle – recently passed – one of the small group who helped save the fair from extinction and by selling to Kevin and I in 1991. Everett McLeod – the voice of the fair “give ‘em a good hand ladies and gentlemen.” My blushing bride’s grandparents – Helen and Erland Goodhue – 5th generation dairy farmers, picked up trash, encouraged kids and into their 90’s wanting to be a part of something as special as our fair. Oopie Thompson – the comical but kind announcer for the Talent Show. Steve & Therese Sawyer – loyal, honest, kind and kinda caustic (only Steve ). And Tina Pond – as kind and caring person as any of us will ever meet. There are so many more who should be named. Please forgive me. I could only mention a few. It is my hope that, while reading through the few names, you will remember your special family members or friends who have been an important part of the fabric of this incredible institution – The Springfield Fair. I have been blessed and honored to be a small part of the fair. I would like to thank each and every one of you (past and present) who have allowed me to be a part of the area and this wonderful fair, to let me do my thing while trying to put together a fair, some concerts and other events that, hopefully, helping bring commerce to local merchants, entice new folks to the area and put a smile on your kid’s face. It has been a blast. For 31 years much of my time has been spent putting together “this year’s” Springfield Fair – the first 15 with Kevin and these last 16 years with Krafty (assisted by Clyde ---- among others). Thank you gentlemen. Now, it’s on to the new owners – Dustin Gordon and Ashley LaDuke . Go get ‘em. May the wind be always at your backs. To all those who directly helped me/us build the fair – our superintendents, volunteers, exhibitors, friends & families – it never could have happened without you. To the patriarch of the fair – Ron Doane – you and your family were here long before I was. Doing what needed to be done. Well done kind sir(s). Carrie – putting up with my bitching. Isaac – for putting up with me always having to do something fair related – not enough time for wiffle ball and for growing up in the era without a carnival. I’ll have more time now – God willing. Always support local people and local events. That is where memories are made. There’s no place like Maine and there’s nothing quite like the Springfield Fair! See ya Labor Day Weekend - I want to see you there!

Seriously though, we are working hard to try and fill our stalls. If you would like for you and your kids or grandkids to be a part of the 172nd Springfield Fair – call Kirk at 738-2888. View/Print the 2022 Springfield Fair Schedule Now We are also hoping to fill our wonderful, old exhibit hall with handy work, crocheting, quilts, knitting, fresh vegetables, unique photos, farm displays or any other items that can help teach the younger generation how things were made and where food comes from. You probably won’t believe this but one of the soon to be new owners of the fairgrounds is sitting at home right now putting together a patchwork quilt. That’s right. I have it on “good authority” that Duston Gordon is a closet handy work specialist. And to add a bit more spice to the story – I was just sent a video of Clyde, in an apron, baking pies for our pie contest. He’s wearing pink bunny slippers, has his hair in curlers and is singing a Captain and Tenile song at the top of his lungs. Bless their hearts – how they do love the ole Springfield Fair!

I’m pooped. And I’m pumped. And according to my son – I’m old. Let’s begin with pooped. Our Lonestar concert was last week and it was a blast. Of the 20, or so, national concerts that we have done, this is one of my two absolute favorites. (The other was the Marshal Tucker Band). Lonestar’s sound and light production – including video boards which we have never been able to accommodate – were well beyond anything our little facility has seen. The band members and their entire crew were great to work with. The crowd was wonderful and into it… particularly one gentleman (who will, for now, remain nameless) who danced for about two straight hours.

Here are some of the very best photos of our most recent concert at the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds - we can't wait to do it again! We had a great night with Lonestar and Adam Curtis! We’ll see you all again over Labor Day Weekend as we look forward to the 172nd Springfield Fair - View the 2022 fair schedule here . Many thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers who made this night possible. Photography by Skull Kandy Ramble. Richardsons Hardware Pelletier Ford of Lincoln Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union Carlos Lopez & Associates Treeline Inc. Rick Burpee - State Farm Insurance Agent CWA & Lake Street Real Estate Cumberland Title Co. Gateway Title of Maine, Classic Country 94.7 Kixx FM Motorbrain Consulting Inc. 4R Animal Shelter

The 172nd Springfield Fair returns to the fairgrounds on September 2nd and 3rd of Labor Day Weekend and have brought back many of your favorite traditions! The whole family with laugh at the Pig Racing - but wait... We will also host Eel Racing as well! If you're not all about racing then perhaps a Pig Scramble is more your style. View the full 2022 Springfield Fair Printable Brochure of Events here. “For everyone paying daily admission, you will receive a survey form to fill out and return to the pavilion. At around 7pm (after the truck pulls) we will draw one lucky winner’s name from a hat to win one nice prize.”- A used car. When kids enter the grounds, they will be given a "Children’s Day" Scorecard. For every kids event that they participate in, they should have the event superintendent initial the form. If they participate in at least 5 events, they will receive a free ice cream and a chance to win $100. Qualifying events are: 1. Gold Dust, 2. Face Painting, 3. Bubble gum Blowing, 4. Sac Race, 5. Woodsman’s Day - all 3 events are needed for the initials, 6. Scavenger Hunt, 7. Kids Tractor Pulls, 8. Oreo Cookie Stacking, 9. Hot Shot Hoops, 10. Piñata. 11. Football Toss for accuracy, 12. Baseball toss for accuracy. We may add more events to the list. $100 Drawing will take place at 3:00pm in the pavilion.

All our biggest details about the upcoming Lonestar, The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds show! Listen to our interview with KIXX FM - online ticket sales are open until August 5th. $50 tickets may be purchased at the gate. Tickets online here . Gates open at 5:00 PM. Thanks to the support of the following sponsors: Richardsons Hardware Pelletier Ford of Lincoln Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union Carlos Lopez & Associates Treeline Inc. Rick Burpee - State Farm Insurance Agent CWA & Lake Street Real Estate Cumberland Title Co. Gateway Title of Maine, Classic Country 94.7 Kixx FM Motorbrain Consulting Inc. 4R Animal Shelter