By Sean F. Mccarthy
EAGLE TIMES CORRESPONDENT
As the wet summer speeds to end, the excitement is just getting started at this weekend’s Cornish Fair.
Sunday’s Professional Woodsmen Competition is expected to be the headline entertainment of the fair, said Cornish resident and Fair President Wayne Gray. The competition, which will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., hasn’t been at the fair in many year. In years past, the Woodsmen were part of the New Hampshire Association, which has since been dissolved and been replaced with a college-level event.
Many popular competitions and entertainment events will be returning. Pony, oxen and even lawn mower pulls bring in local amateurs to what’s billed as “a family-friendly, country, agricultural fair.” Visitors will find a “beef tent” but not a “beer tent” as no alcohol is permitted.
The Prince and Princess competition will be at 3:30 p.m., Friday, on the Whelen Pavilion Stage, followed by the King and Queen Contest at 4 p.m.
Wristbands can be purchased to allow the most avid carnival ride aficionado unfettered access to the midway. The cost is $30 per person at the fair or $25 online at at www.fanelliamusements.com. Popular rides like the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round will sate the need for speed and aerial heights. The big trucks carrying the carnival rides started arriving late Sunday and continued to arrive through Tuesday.
Leland Atwood, who is in charge of fair vendors, said it’s always interesting to see the trucks maneuver into small spaces. And, before the first rider steps aboard, New Hampshire will send safety inspectors to ensure the carnival rides are safe.
Children 12 and under are admitted free, 13 year-olds to adult are $15. Parking is free and shuttles will help move people from the parking lots to the central areas of the fair. A special lot is designated for disabled parking near the midway events. Pets are not allowed.
Whalen Pavilion Stage
Half Moon Jug Band, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday
Catfish Howl Zydeco Band, Noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday
The Little Mermen-Disney Tribute, 12:30 p.m., Saturday
Clint Pecor, 6:30 p.m., Saturday
ZBTB Zac Brown Tribute Band, 8 p.m., Saturday
Fleetwood D Macked, 12:30 to 2 p.m., Sunday
Nick’s Other Band, 3:30 p.m., Sunday
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