Fryeburg Fair Revisited

Last Tuesday, I picked up my 9-year-old from school early, to head up to the Fryeburg Fair. We live very close, and the trip takes us barely over a half hour. Normally, we are a much bigger crew, as my husband and older children often go. My cousins in Sweden take the week off work to attend. Also, cousins come up from Manchester, Mass., with their children near in age to my son. Alas, we were unable to hook up with the Sweden group, and the family from Massachusetts couldn’t make it this year.

We headed along Route 302 on an overcast afternoon, with high hopes. With pennies saved all summer, my son bought a bracelet allowing him to be able to ride “unlimited mechanical rides” from 2-9 p.m. Now, I have a severe motion sickness problem, so joining him on any of these rides was out of the question. The Gravitron was first, a ride resembling a spaceship, doors opened, he went right in. This, I knew, is one of the “standing up” rides. The kids tell me you try to defy gravity and turn your body while it spins wildly around, to have your feet up and head down. I didn’t ask if he even tried this, would I want to know?

Next, we headed to the many stables. I used to take part in 4-H as a kid and love horses. They have many, many big horses and matched pairs that are magnificent to behold. We waltzed through many barns, looking at not just horses, but oxen, cows (took a photograph of an adorable week-old baby cow), llamas, etc. We got great photos of baby pigs, each of us having a go with the digital camera.

We stopped by to visit the sheep as well. Another cousin who lives in Denmark, shows sheep there yearly. We always whisper our hellos and messages into the willing ears of the sweet, woolly lambs, as we never seem to find their owners year-to-year.

Five hours of slow, wandering brought us past many wonders. We saw many booths of handcrafted items, photos galore, beautiful jewelry for sale, excellent examples of craftsmanship everywhere. Oh, and of course there was the food. Tommy spent $8 on shrimp. He sat down and slowly relished it, with two toppings. Meanwhile, I bought my usual fried dough. I found a booth beside the Zipper. The young gal working it was so kind and my mouth was watering as she described the toppings

I could have (what, no powdered sugar and cinnamon?). She had a cherry topping, lemon topping and apples. I opted to try the latter two, half one side, half on the other. Wow, what an experience. Though I liked both, I don’t recommend them together. The apples made it just like having my own personal apple pie. The Zipper was next, my son befriended a 14-year-old and up they went on that iconic ride of my childhood – the one everyone dared everyone else to go on. Both boys

enjoyed the ride; I was queasy just watching.

Before heading home, we had a souvenir photo button made, with “Mommy & Me” written across the bottom., I am teary-eyed just remembering the wonderful end to a wonderful evening at the much beloved fair.

Halloween Approaching

Every year we have a large Halloween party at the old Sebago Town Hall. The Parent Teacher Club is a joint sponsor again this year. The whole town (the ones with children for the most part) shows up and enjoy the festivities.

There’s a haunted house set up in the basement. Older children lead younger ones through, and hide to scare those approaching. A costume contest and costume parade are held. There is a refreshment table, with drinks and snacks. Many games are set up for all ages and abilities. Last year, ghost stories were offered for those who were brave (in the dark with flashlights). Pumpkins, of course, are there too. Contact the Parent Teacher Club if you want to donate anything Halloween related, or to volunteer to help. Uncertain of the date this year, I will let you know when I do.

As Halloween is my favorite holiday, I shall soon be in full mode to decorate. I currently have fall/harvest decorations outside. But soon it will take a more macabre theme. I am thinking either Sleepy Hollow or maybe something from a Vincent Price movie. My favorite thing is making costumes. I may incorporate store-bought accessories, but that’s it. I use old clothing, hats, buy cloth and use my imagination

to whip up simple to extravagant frocks. Sometimes, it’s a requested costume from

one of the kids. Other times, I am allowed to create at whim. This year, I already have one costume three-quarters done.

Possible Consolidation Update

Kathleen Beecher stated in her recent October newsletter that Susan Gendron, commissioner of education, rejected SAD 61’s plan not to consolidate. The district and the Ad Hoc Committee have been told to “dig deeper” for cost saving ideas. There was a meeting on Oct. 4 in Augusta to look over Maine Department of Education models highlighting potential cost savings.

Fairpoint New England

I wonder if anyone local would like to share their thoughts on this topic? Please call or e-mail me if you have anything to share on this. I would love to share mine, but being a lady, I cannot share them at this time, in this column.

But, I am ready, willing and able to voice others’ thoughts and opinions.

Closing Thoughts

Well, I have not had much news to share this week, but hope those of you who didn’t, or couldn’t attend the fair were able to feel as though you were there. Please feel free to give me any story ideas and important information happening around town. My e-mail address and phone number are listed near my photograph. Well, for now, I must bid you farewell until next week. Have a great week, talk to you soon.