BLANDFORD-While much has changed across the country in the 150 years since the Blandford Fair started, one constant has remained at the heart of the organization – showcasing the importance of agriculture to all ages.
“We’re a family oriented fair,” said Bruce Wyman, president of the board of trustees of the Blandford Fair. “I see parents and grandparents I remember as toddlers who are now bringing their kids to the fair.”
Allen Laflamme and Greg Girard are among the many volunteers who ensure that the grounds of the Blandford Fair are ready for Labor Day weekend.
Wyman, who first experienced the fair through his participation in 4-H, said this year’s fair will have the “traditional” midway rides, food vendors, oxen, draft horses and pony pulls, truck and tractor pulls, and a few new attractions.
The fair, presented by the Union Agriculture & Horticultural Society, is planned Sept. 1-4 at 10 North St.
“To celebrate 150 years of the fair we are planning a special fireworks display Sunday night,” said Wyman, adding that the committee is also considering releasing 150 biodegradable balloons each day of the fair as part of its festivities.
“We also have a lot of entertainment lined up each day and in particular, one of our returning favorite bands – Cory DeGray and the Knightsmen Band – is also celebrating its own anniversary, 50 years performing,” said Wyman.
On a recent morning, Wyman and fellow volunteers Greg Girard and Allen Laflamme were up early and surveying the grounds that soon will be transformed once again to showcase the Society’s signature theme – promoting agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, manufacturing, mechanical and fine arts.
Wyman noted that another new feature of the fair will be for area residents to enter their competition information online.
“Our new website will be up by the first week of August and we are excited about the improvements to it,” said Wyman.
For Girard, a recent transplant to the town with his wife Jennifer, reconnecting with his years growing up on a farm in Connecticut was a natural fit for wanting to lend a hand with this year’s fair.
“They always need volunteers to help and my first impression with last year’s fair was it was a nice little fair, not too big where you can get lost,” said Girard. “We also took our 3-year-old grandson who especially enjoyed the interaction with the animals.”
Laflamme, executive vice president of the organization, echoed those sentiments.
“I have been volunteering for more than 15 years because it is a good group of people who put the fair together,” said Laflamme.
While there are always maintenance issues to tend to, there are also countless volunteers who are working behind the scenes in a variety of capacities – ensuring when the gates open at 3 p.m. on Sept. 1 – everyone attending will experience a hometown fair that will create memories for years to come.
“My extended family has been involved with the fair since the 1940’s,” said Wyman, noting he too worked for 20 cents an hour as a youth raking the dirt tracks for racing.
“We saved our money so we could ride the Ferris wheel a few times and buy hamburgers and hot dogs which were only 25 cents at that time,” said Wyman.
Other highlights of the Labor Day weekend fair will include civil and revolutionary war re-enactments, horse shows, a pedal tractor pulling contest for ages four to 14, barn exhibits, an art show exhibition, a cake decorating contest sponsored by King Arthur Flour, and the dining room homemade meals.
“Our locally prepared meals include staples like meatloaf with mashed potatoes on Friday, ham and baked beans on Saturday, a chicken barbecue on Sunday, and a roast beef dinner on Monday,” said Wyman, adding that each meal is topped off with either a slice of homemade apple or blueberry pie.
Wyman noted that the fair is particularly geared for families of young children. On Sept. 3, a bicycle parade for all ages is planned with a theme of “150 Years of the Blandford Fair.” Bikes will be judged for originality, theme, and age group, and first and second prizes will be awarded. Age groups are pre-school, elementary, junior high, high school, and all ages beyond.
“We have a lot of activities for kids including a three-legged sack race, a scarecrow building contest, face painting, strolling clowns and magicians,” said Wyman.
Vendors of all types – from food to specialty products – will also be exhibiting throughout the fair and among those will be the Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay, based in Westfield. On a recent morning, members of the chapter and their advisers were hard at work scrapping, sealing and painting the 20′ x 12′ building they will use to sell breakfast items, hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and much more.
Members of the Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay, based in Westfield – along with their advisers and some friends – scrapped, sealed and painted the building recently they will be using to sell food at the Blandford Fair.
“The money we raise will support the young men with their projects,” said Al Giguere, who serves as “chapter dad.”
Brochures about DeMolay will also be available and advisers will be on hand to answer questions about the organization.
Joe Ruffo, 15, who attends Westfield Technical Academy, has been a DeMolay member for more than a year and was recently voted to serve as a master counselor.
“I enjoy the fun events we can participate in, as well as learning skills including public speaking,” said Ruffo.
Justin Lambert, 14, who attends Agawam High School, echoed those sentiments.
“I enjoy helping out with community projects and networking which helps each other,” said Lambert.
Kaidyn Dion-Carberry, 13, who attends Hampshire Regional High School, recently joined the group.
“My dad encouraged me to join to develop a variety of skills,” said Dion-Carberry. “There are a lot of fun events and I am also looking forward to improving my public speaking skills.”
For Josh Boden, 13, who attends Hampshire Regional, the idea of joining the group was sparked by a conversation with Dion-Carberry.
“Kaidyn encouraged me and it sounded like fun,” said Boden. “I know I will grow from the experiences, especially helping in the community.”
The DeMolay building is adjacent to the bleachers where the animal pulls are conducted.
Also in conjunction with the fair’s 150th celebration, the Blandford Historical Society is sponsoring an art contest with the theme “150 Years of the Blandford Fair.” For more details, visit the Blandford Fair’s Facebook page. All entries need to be submitted by Aug. 23 between 10 a.m. and noon at the Blandford Historical Building. For information, contact Linda Barnard at (413) 848-0154.
Admission to the Blandford Fair is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, children ages six to 12, $5, and children under six admitted free. There is also a parking fee of $5.
Fair hours are Friday, Sept. 1, 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 2, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 3, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more fair information, or to volunteer (age 12 and up) to help in a variety of ways, visit www.theblandfordfair.com.
“Attending the Blandford Fair is an opportunity to reconnect with peers and is a great way to renew old acquaintances,” said Wyman.
