Pig Master Ted Raymond offers newcomers to Fryeburg Fair hoping to watch a pig scramble a bit of friendly advice: “Come early if you want a seat.”
The pig scramble continues to be among the most popular of events at the annual Fryeburg Fair, which starts Sept. 28 and runs for eight days.
Although Fryeburg holds four scrambles during the week, there are never enough seats to accommodate the overflow crowd. Three of the events are held in the Pulling Ring where the bleacher seats fill up well before starting time.
The first, the Society Pig Scramble, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on opening day, Sunday, Sept. 28. The scramble is open to youngsters ages 8-10 years who live in any of the 22 towns that make up the West Oxford Agricultural Society. Sixteen towns are located in western Maine and six in eastern New Hampshire.
The pigs average six to eight weeks in age. Fair officials draw 10 names out of a hat to go after eight pigs.
The second and fourth scrambles are both open events. One is set for Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m., and the other on the final Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Both scrambles will be held in the Pulling Ring and are open to any youngsters age 8-10 regardless of where they live. Entries must be made at the Livestock Office on the day of the scramble and close one hour prior to the start.
The third scramble will be held outside on the racetrack in front of the main grandstand on Friday, Oct. 3 following the 4-H calf scramble that begins at 10 a.m. This scramble is reserved for third graders from the local SAD 72 school system who have been selected ahead of time.
Youngsters are encouraged to keep the pigs they catch and raise them. Pig provider Jerry Watson will buy back pigs from those who don’t plan to raise them. Arrangements can be made to house the pigs on the grounds for the day.
For more information, call the main office at 207-935-3268 or visit the fair’s website at fryeburgfair.org.
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