Sure annual signs of autumn are apples and the Cumberland Fair, readying for its 142nd year with signature events and updated security precautions.

The fair features the return of bull riding and a full rodeo after a six-year absence. Familiar favorites include bands, midway rides and food, demolition derby, horse racing, rodeo and 4-H students exhibiting their farm animals. A Colby College Woodsman’s show returns this year.

Michael Timmons, president of Cumberland Fair, expects up to 50,000 people this year.

“I expect to have a full house” for the whole fair, Timmons said last week as he toured the grounds.

Many fairgoers will stay on the grounds.

“I’m hoping to have in excess of 100 RVs for the week,” Timmons said.

Parking is free and the fair has spaces for up to 7,000 cars.

“Cumberland is our county fair,” said Jenn Grant of Gorham, a 4-H leader.

Grant said 30 of her 4-H students in two clubs – Red and White Faces, and the Young Farmers Beef Club – would be among those exhibiting their 4-H animals they’ve groomed all year preparing for the fair.

“It’s time to show off what you’ve done,” Grant said, “all the hard work. They’ve worked all year to get to this point.”

Besides the 4-H animals, there will be some professional competition with bull riding and a full rodeo. Timmons said lights are being installed around a rodeo area, which will be handicapped accessible. To accommodate rodeo fans, bleachers will be trucked in.

Timmons said the rodeo proved a popular fair event several years ago, and he explained the reason bull riding was so popular.

“Women up to age 40 love cowboys,” he said with a laugh.

Harness horse racing, a feature since the fair began in 1871, will be conducted daily. Timmons said track improvements include drainage that has recently been installed. The half-mile oval strip appeared in tip-top shape after rain last week.

Other traditional fair events include the pulling contests for oxen and draft horses, along with giant pumpkin and squash competition. A 4-H dog show demonstration promises to be a hit, as will be pig races throughout the week in the show arena.

A full slate of entertainment on the main stage throughout the week features bands and acts including Don Campbell, Tricky Britches, Bob Charest, Tony Boffa, Maine Country Band, and Hyssongs Gospel Group, along with Debbie Morin, Maine Squeeze, Debbie Meyers and Brian Wardwell.

A car demolition derby, new last year, returns, and off-duty Cumberland police officers are among the drivers. It’s shaping up as a big draw, as Timmons said the derby went well last year and this year it is “a lot bigger.”

Besides the usual fair treats like hog dogs, French fries and cotton candy, Timmons said the First Congregational Church of Gray would serve meals at the restaurant on the fairgrounds.

In a Maine tradition, the North Yarmouth Fire Department will serve up bean-hole baked beans at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, under the grandstand.

Last week, Timmons was busy touring the fairgrounds as the opening day drew closer.

In safety and security measures, he said, the fairgrounds has updated its emergency plans in the event of a variety of contingencies.

“We’ve got full surveillance,” Timmons said.

Fair and town personnel are working jointly on safety matters. Cumberland police and fire departments recently conducted a mock mass casualty drill at the fairgrounds, attended by Cumberland Town Manager Bill Shane.

Emergency personnel staffing an office on the grounds are prepared to handle a mass casualty. Two ambulances will be stationed on the fairgrounds.

“I’m going to man the main office to disperse people,” Timmons said.

On Monday, Sept. 23, Timmons is expecting 2,000 children with their teachers on the fairgrounds, and there’s a strategy to bus all to safety in the event of an emergency.

Timmons also said the state Fire Marshal’s Office inspects everything on the grounds that is motorized, including amusement rides.

A CLOSER LOOK

The Cumberland Fair, 197 Blanchard Road in Cumberland, opens on Sunday, Sept. 22, and continues through Saturday, Sept. 28. Admission is $9 with children 12 and under free; and $3 for senior citizens (65 and up) on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Thursday, Sept. 26. For the full schedule of events, see www.cumberlandfair.com.

Michael Timmons, president of Cumberland Farmer’s Club, which sponsors Cumberland Fair, tours the grounds as opening day nears for the 142nd annual fair.