ACTON — Poppy is a Jersey calf, just a month short of her first birthday. Her owner, Emma Stevens of Arundel, will be showing her in the 4-H ring at Acton Fair this week, but as of Wednesday it had not been determined in which class Poppy will compete.
With the fair opening today, Wednesday was the day when those who will be showing their animals bring them to the fair and food vendors wash and polish their concession stands, making sure all systems are go and the food is ready. Commercial vendors set up their booths selling jewelry and other items. In the display halls, vendors who specialize in selling insulation, windows, heating fuels, and other retail goods and services are preparing their displays. Over in the agricultural hall, vegetables are being judged, and out on the midway, the folks who provide the carnival rides make sure they’re set up and in working order.
In one field, fair-goers can admire the attributes of two tractor brands ”“ there is a row of gleaming, bright orange ones and another row of vivid green ones.
The qualities that will be judged when Stevens shows Poppy ”“ called showmanship ”“ reflect both on animal and owner, and include whether the animal is neat, well clipped, washed and if it handles well in the ring. Animals are also judged on how closely they’re representative of the breed, said longtime 4-H leader Diane Qualey. In Poppy’s case, that means judges will look at how much she resembles the Jersey breed.
Acton Fair, marking its 148th year, began this morning and continues through Sunday. There are many agricultural events ”“ from demonstrations of how to clip dairy animals, spin, weave, make baskets and cane chairs; to a draft horse show and Sunday’s ever-popular pig scramble.
Later this afternoon, visitors can take in the Cruise’n Car Show in the horse show ring, complete with Lee Lewis and the Doo Wop Allstars band, said Richard Burke, fair vice president. The show starts at 3:30 p.m., with awards and the band at about 7:30 p.m.
Treasurer Donna Goodrich said there are a number of new events this year to augment fair favorites ”“ including a gymkhana show, where riders on horses demonstrate barrel racing; a relay race; and an event called “fox and hounds,” among others, at 8 a.m. Sunday.
There’s a Tribute to Houdini in the entertainment center, along with a show called “Elvis is Back,” and among other entertainers, the Saco River Jazz Ensemble will perform.
Miss Acton Fair will be crowned at 8 p.m. Friday night.
Country singer Jimmie Lehoux performs at 8 p.m. Saturday night.
There’s a woodsmen’s exhibition on Saturday afternoon, demonstrating skill with an ax, and a Farmer’s Olympics Saturday night. As well, the popular women’s skillet throw is set for 11 a.m. Saturday. There’s a lawn mower rodeo, a tractor pull, and much more.
A complete schedule is available at www.actonfair.net.
“We’re looking for a good fair, as long as the weather cooperates,” said Goodrich, with an eye to the skies.
On Wednesday, some folks were waiting for their animals to arrive, while others were tending to theirs in the vast barns.
For Kenneth and Marion Goodwin of North Berwick, proprietors of Deb-Tone Farm since 1954, this year marks their 59th at the fair. The couple, now with help from grandson Mike Stillberger, farm 20 acres, raising short-horn beef cattle and white-faced Herefords. Recently, Great Works Land Trust acquired a conservation easement on the property, which means it will always remain farmland ”“ an undertaking that pleases the Goodwins.
The land where they farm has been used for agriculture for generations, long before they made their home there. While the farm is named for their children, Deborah and Anthony, the area itself has been known as Cabbage Hill for many a long year; an early settler used to raise cabbages there and take them to Boston to sell them, Ken Goodwin said.
As they tended their cattle Wednesday, he recalled 48 years as the fair’s beef superintendent, making sure each family’s cattle had room in the barns, among other details.
Ken Goodwin will be 87 on the last day of August. He and Marion continue to enjoy the fair, and seeing people who have enjoyed the same lifestyle as they have, for so many years.
“I like to come and see my old friends,” said Goodwin.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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