Fair reaches milestone

Ten years ago the New Gloucester Community Fair started in the parking lot of the old fire department as a simple safety show. When it quickly grew too big for the parking lot, it expanded into a fair.

Today the event is one of the fastest growing fairs in Maine. Last year’s attendance records broke all marks, and the same is expected to happen this year. The New Gloucester Community Fair Committee has put together what promises to be a fantastic event with several new attractions and additions, Saturday, Oct. 16, rain or shine.

Slugger from the Portland Sea Dogs will be attending from 2-4 p.m., along with Crusher from the Maine Red Claws 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The attendance of these famous mascots just goes to show the statewide recognition the fair is now receiving. In addition, Miss Maine USA will be officiating the opening of the fair and other visits include Miss Maine USA Jr., along with Miss Maine and Miss Maine Outstanding Teen.

Back again is the car show which is expected to have over 200 vehicles. New this year is a snowmobile expo. Other new events include a kids’ tent and laser tag for the older child in all of us. The musical lineup is Peterson Project 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Drummers Circle 12-1 p.m., Intergalactic Yurt Band 1-3 p.m., Ben Grannel 3-4 p.m., Ryan Woodbury 4-5 p.m. and Better Than 5-7 p.m. Don’t forget the fireworks at 7 p.m. Check out the event’s new website for complete details at www.newgloucesterfair.com and friend them on Facebook to discover current updates.

Free pumpkin decorating

New Gloucester Democrats will again be offering children between the ages of 5-12 the opportunity to decorate a pumpkin to take home with them at their Community Fair booth on Saturday, Oct. 16. Decorations and pumpkins will be provided while supplies last, and booth workers will be available to assist children with decorating starting at 10 a.m. There will be no charge for children to participate. The fairgrounds are located one-half mile down Bald Hill Road from the blinking light on Route 100.

Shaker Village special events

A weaving demonstration will be given by Marjie Thompson at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester, on Saturday, Oct. 9, beginning at 10 a.m.

Also that day, two nature hikes will be offered; the first group will venture out at 10 a.m. and the other at 1:30 p.m. The guided hikes cover Shaker fields, forests, varied flora and fauna, the lake shore and Aurelia’s Cascade. The hikes are 2-1/2 hours long. Please come dressed for a hike through the woods, including sturdy footwear. Fees are $5 for adults, $2 for children, under 6 free. For more information, call 926-4597.

Help feed ?the horses

Open Gates Equine Rescue will be hosting a fundraising table at the Ultimate Yard Sale at the Cumberland Fairgrounds Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open Gates will be selling miscellaneous household items, as well as many books. Come visit and learn about the New Gloucester-based rescue and help feed the horses this winter. For more information, call 926-5570 or see www.opengatesequinerescue.com.

Election and absentee voting

The next election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Memorial School, 86 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The ballot will consist of state referendum questions and candidates for state offices.

Absentee ballots are available at Town Hall during regular office hours: Mondays 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Fridays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. An absentee ballot application can be printed from the town website, www.newgloucester.com, and be mailed or hand-delivered to the town office. Another option is to vote in person at Town Hall prior to the election during regular office hours. If you have any questions, please call 926-4126, ext.1, or e-mail bseaver@newgloucester.com.

Open Creamery Day

Come to Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester, for Maine’s Open Creamery Day from 12-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10. See cheese being made at a free tour of The Creamery. A wine and cheese tasting will be held at The Market during the event. For more information, call 688-4539.

Youth program

AWANA is a youth program for ages 3-12 at the New Gloucester Bible Church that meets every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cubbies include ages 3-5, Sparks consist of grades K-2, and T+T (Truth and Training) include grades 3-6. The program features games, songs, Bible lessons, Scripture memory and awards. Come join the fun! For more information, call 926-3140.

Town facilities closed

All town facilities will be closed Monday, Oct. 11, in observance of Columbus Day.