Sunday, August 2, 2015

Where Did Summer Go?

I simply cannot believe that it is already AUGUST. Unreal. Unfathomable. Unfairly true, though! 
This month in Maine there are three "State Fairs" around us happening, and I am a long-time fair fan.

Bangor State Fair opened July 31st and to be absolutely, in a totally only my personal opinion way, this is THE fair to head to if you are in the Piscataquis/Penobscot county area, or the Somerset-heading-toward-Penquis county area, and are either 1) a family with kids that LOVE the rides, or 2) a kid at heart and, also, love the rides! For an almost all inclusive price of $12 at the gate, your bracelet includes fair admission, most shows, all exhibits, and UNLIMITED mechanical rides (anyone wanna Tilt-a-Whirl with me?), a price that is, when compared to other fairs, some of which charge a gate admission and then the bracelet for rides separately, sometimes to the tune of $15/$18/$20, can't be beat. This year Bangor State Fair runs July 31st through August 9th, and they have a lot of new shows and attractions, so check out their website before heading over!

Next up is the fair I grew up at, and it's always a hit especially with "MotorHeads" and the daredevil set, by that meaning the big draws are the Demolition Derbies and the midway, the first place I ever rode the Zipper and the Gravitron! Skowhegan State Fair admission varies this year, with opening day being only $2, weekend dates (the 14th-16th and 21st & 22nd) $10, all other days are $8, and there are special event days where admission is reduced for certain groups, like Senior Citizen Day on the 17th, where all fairgoers 62 and over get in for just $4. Kids 5 and under are free EVERY DAY. All day ride bracelets are $12 on opening day, $17 on the 15th, 16th, and 22nd and $15 every other day. You can find more information on the exhibits, shows, and events here


Finally, at the end of August is MY local fair, the Piscataquis Valley Fair, located in Dover-Foxcroft.  This year's fair runs from August 27th to 30th. While we're a smaller fair, still mostly focused on agricultural competition and animal events, that doesn't mean we don't know how to have fun. If you're a rocker, come out and see Back in Black on the 28th! For those who like country sounds, well, come shake your perspective up a little with Ragged Jack on the 29th. These guys are pure, ragged, Rockabilly sound and you will LOVE them!! Gate admission only $6, find all the details here

I hope your August is filled with fun, fairgoing, relaxing pool or lakeside, great eats with loved ones, and sun, sun, sun!!