Oct. 10, 2005

FRYEBURG – Despite unrelenting rain on the final weekend, Fryeburg Fair enjoyed six straight days of summer-like weather that attracted tremendous crowds.     For only the second time in the fair’s history, the heavy rains and saturated ground forced cancellation of Saturday’s Grand Parade and Saturday harness racing.     Figures for the eight days released by longtime Superintendent of Tickets Barry Emery totaled 147,317, a long way from last year’s total of nearly 200,000, all all-time record for the 155-year-old fair. When the parade was cancelled for the first time in 1998, 133,000 people attended the fair that saw soaking rain fall for four of the eight days.     Fair General Supt. Roy Andrews was philosophical about the weather and its effect on the state’s largest agricultural fair.     “We had a very successful fair this year, it just wasn’t as successful as some of the others,” said Andrews, who also serves as vice president. “The two rainy days weren’t quite as much fun as the sunny ones.” Last year’s event saw near perfect weather throughout.     This year’s first six days were marked by t-shirt and shorts weather with near-record crowds every day. By Friday evening, the descending low pressure system brought out the jackets. And overnight the weather took a dramatic turn, holding Saturday’s attendance, which normally exceeds 40,000, to 9,588. The fairgrounds turned into a sea of rain slickers and umbrellas.     Still, Andrews said that there were a lot of people that showed up.

“Close to 10,000 people on Saturday is a pretty good day for as hard as it rained,” Andrews said.     Attendance for the week saw 24,487 on Sunday (record 29,995 in 2001), 24,310 on Monday, Woodmen’s Day (record 26,017 in 2004), 15,145 on Tuesday, Senior Citizens Day (record 15,496 in 2000); 19,346 on Wednesday (record 20,125 in 2001); 18,911 on Thursday (record 19,764 in 2001); 21,112 on Friday (record 30,396 in 2004); 9,588 on Saturday (record 46,834 in 2001); and 11,418 on the Sunday (record 27,652 in 2000).     Daily attendance figures do not include children under 12, seniors on Tuesday, advance sales, pass holders and life memberships.     The rain’s exact financial impact won’t be known for several weeks but the loss of 30,000 people on Saturday at $8 apiece means approximately $240,000 less in gate revenue. At $5 a ticket, Sunday’s hit could approach $75,000.     The loss of Saturday’s pari-mutuel revenue not only affects Fryeburg but also all Maine fairs that participate in the state stipend fund, which helps pay for exhibitor premiums. In 2004, Fryeburg handled $186,802. Roughly 1.1% of the total bet goes into that fund that is distributed back to all the fairs. The track’s share is between 14½ and 16½ percent, which varies according to the type of wager.     This year the racing handle was $668,387, about $255,000 less than last year’s $923,753. Sunday’s handle of $67,387 was about half of the previous

year’s final day figure.     Racing hasn’t been cancelled at Fryeburg in more than a quarter century since the track was improved and the mutual windows were recessed under the grandstand.     Fryeburg’s camping area, which fair officials says is the largest north of Disney World, saw its 3,000 sites filled with more than 5,000 reservations. But Camping Supt. Glenn Chute received a few cancellations at the last minute because of concerns over fuel prices or the weather.     The big plus for the week was the new $500,000 Livestock Show Arena. Throughout the week the 14,400 square foot facility hosted the many beef shows, which previously had to share space with dairy shows at Woodward Pavilion. On Friday, the arena hosted the 68th annual 4-H Beef Steer and Market Lamb Sale, which saw record prices and a standing-room-only crowd.     While exhibitors, officials and fairgoers lamented the unfortunate weather, Andrews was pleased with the way events went smoothly and few problems arose.     “I think we’ll do it again next year,” he quipped.

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