By Chris Frost
EAGLE TIMES NEWS EDITOR
CORNISH — The Cornish Fairgrounds came to life with generational fun and tradition from Aug. 18-20 for a celebration of the 73rd annual Cornish Fair. The fair salutes agricultural excellence and competition along with featuring traditional midway rides and food booths.
Kelsey and Hailey Caver, of Cornish, said they loved the farm animals and said they had a great time.
“We just got here, but we’re having fun so far,” mom Jennifer Caver said. “We’ve enjoyed all the quilts and art. We come to the fair every year. We’re going to look at the cows, visit the horses and try a few rides.”
Zachary Caver wanted some fried dough.
“I plan to go on a lot of rides,” Nicholas Carver interjected. “I like the Ferris wheel. It’s nice to come here because it’s local, and there are always animals, rides and food.”
Jennifer said Nicholas said they have attended the fair for the past 16 years.
“Since he was a baby,” Jennifer said.
Linda Leone was working at the information booth, which was a busy place during the fair.
“We are the information, souvenir selling, brochure handing out location,” she said. “This is terrific. I’m a volunteer and don’t do as much as the directors. The directors are here 24/7 for the week ahead and work on it all year.”
She said the people are the best.
“The kids with their animals are fantastic,” Leone said.
Co-Director Rob Johnson ensured any place that wanted help got what they needed.
“I’m a volunteer and make sure everyone is happy,” he said. “I came to this fair as a kid and figured I could give back and volunteer on the weekends. I love seeing all the people.”
Entertainment Committee Associate Director Abbie Bennett kept the bands moving seamlessly in and out of the Whelen Pavilion.
“I’m making sure my face painter on the ballfield is all set,” she said. “We have the We-We Racing Pigs going three times today.”
Bennett lives .25 miles away, did 11 years in 4H, and showed her animals at the fair yearly.
“I love the fair and think it’s wonderful,” she said. “It brings the agricultural community closer to people who may not have access.”
Cows Milky Way and Paulie competed on Saturday, and owner Mike Soucy said they were there for the kids if they wanted to stop by.
“The 4H Show is today,” he said. “My daughter Abigail likes working with the cows. We’re having a great time.”
Crystal Phillips said she enjoys watching the 4H kids show their dairy cows.
“They put a lot of work into getting them cleaned up, clipped, and ready,” she said. “They’re showing their cows off and showing of themselves and building confidence.”
Lori Carder from Pleasant Dreams brought her dreamcatchers and said she’s been making them since age 9.
“My great-grandmother is Cherokee,” she said. “Making one depends on the size to build it.”
Jace Perrott jumped in for a photo cutout of Smokey the Bear, and his aunt JC Perrott ensured his day was special.
“I used to show cows here, so it brings back memories,” JC said.
Hannah Cargill and Emory Dill sheared a sheep and made the animal look good.
“I’m having a great time at the fair,” Catherine Dill said. “This is our first time. We’re from Deerfield, NH; the kids are doing the block and trim class. The kids have to take an animal, put it on the stand to shear it out.”
Jamie Town is a 4H Sheep Superintendent and said sheep require food and love.
“I’m a 4H alumni, had sheep and showed them,” she said. “There were four of us, and we found something for the kids to do.”
For more information on the fairgrounds, renting facilities or to learn about next year’s fair, please visit cornishfair.org for more information.
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