The Springfield Fair

New Year, New Owners. One Last Goodbye.

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:54:25 GMT

After 32 years I can no longer say that I am an owner of the Springfield Fairgrounds. I’m kinda lost. Although my lovely bride would say that my being kinda lost is more of a daily occurrence. The historic Springfield Fairgrounds was finally sold to Ashley LaDuke and Dustin Gordon, last week. They are now the trusted caretakers of our beloved Elmwood Trotting Park, “Drunkards Reunion”, Springfield Fayuh. Congratulations guys. Go get ‘em!

In April of 1991, Kevin (brother) and I took over the fairgrounds. We had absolutely no idea what to expect. We just started cleaning things up, tearing down old buildings and try to “move ahead”. Fortunately for us, there were many local people who had a long history with the fair and they were not just willing to give us a change, but ready to jump in and help. From day one there were folks driving out to see the improvements and clean up. They offered help, money, materials, and moral support. I had just moved back to Maine from Virginia and was working in Portland. Friday afternoon I would drive to Springfield. Work on the fair all weekend and return to Portland either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. It was fun and exciting … and scary.

I was 30 when I started with the fair. Dustin and Ashley are lots younger than that. But they have the same passion that we did – looking to make lots of improvements and bring the fair back to the limelight. As they travel along on their journey, they’ll hit many bumps in the road. It’s inevitable. Running an agricultural fair requires lots of time invested – pretty much on a year round basis. They’ll also need some good luck and patience. Most importantly, they’ll need your support. They intend to run more events than John and I were able to. They’ll need folks to attend the events, helpers to operate food concessions, run events, park cars and handle security. And they’ll need sponsors. For 32 years I sweet talked, cajoled, begged a bit, laughed with, laughed at, and shared stories regarding the fair with our many incredible sponsors. Without the continued support of the local and regional businesses – the fair could not operate. The financial support is important. But the moral support is key. Without the regular feedback from all of you, who have loved the fair for so long, it would not have survived. Thank you.

I wish that I could list every sponsor who has been a part of the fair for so long. It’s just not feasible. So please accept this as my (our) heartfelt thanks. And for the wonderful crew of folks who have volunteered to help put the fair on each year, you’ll have our eternal gratitude. We have been so fortunate to have had hundreds of people help us over all these years. Some were teenagers who helped park cars. Others worked the gate or in a concession while our “mainstays” made sure that the events were well organized and run smoothly. Your help, good attitude and willingness & ability to work so well with the public was needed and appreciated. To all of you who have worked side by side with us at the fair – thank you. John and I will miss that aspect of our relationship.

John and I will be around. He’ll still be at the post office … sending my mail to some address that is not on the envelope. I’ll be at the real estate office – napping regularly in my old age. Oh sure, there are some things we’ll miss beyond our relationships with each of you. I’ll miss the women who enjoyed dancing topless at our Saturday night dances. I’ll miss some of the horseshoe pitchers passing out by 9:00 am on a nice, hot early fall day. And there are few things better to bring a smile to my face than going through the parking area and stumbling onto couples apparently celebrating their honeymoon again. Or having one of the local folks (drunk I may add) trying to escape our security team by jumping into one of the bigger rides and somehow unhooking their seatbelt – as the ride stops they’d fall out, as if they were a towel coming out of the clothes dryer, vomit and then threaten to sue. Or having the pigs escape our pig scramble arena to be chased by a couple dozen giggling kids. Who can forget Jim “Crash” Moreau blowing himself up with dynamite. He was so excited to be performing in Springfield, as he was getting ready he asked his assistant to “throw on a couple more sticks”. When the smoke cleared, Crash was clearly stunned – the crowd went wild prompting him to face the portable toilets and offer a big wave and bow to his fans. It took him most of the night to clear his head. The following year we had Crash back. He was going to jump a car over his bus plus 4 additional cars. We had to supply the car he was to drive. After a wonderful introduction, he fired up his car, getting up to speed, hit the ramp and promptly stalked at the top of the ramp. He was belly hung. That same night, Crash was going to drive his car through the “burning wall of steel”. Bill Soucie was helping us with all of Crash’s stunts. With this particular stunt, Bill set up 6 – 55 gallon drums – 2 rows of 3 high. He was then supposed to pour gasoline over them and wait for Crash to tell him to light ‘em up. In Crash’s excitement, he never gave the signal. He just fired up the car and came roaring down the track. Bill, not quite done dumping on the gas, threw the gas can one way, grabbed his match – lit it and tossed it towards the “wall of steel”. The wall caught fire just as Crash got there – but so did Bill. As Crash was ramming his way through the “flaming wall of steel”, Bill was rolling around on the ground trying to put out his own flames. Another successful night at the Ole Fayuh! No one was hurt and we, obviously, can laugh about it now.

Huh – bring me a 12 pack and I could tell these stories all night. Alas, enough from me. It’s time for Ashley and Dustin to build their own memories – all with your help.

I am going to miss my involvement with the day to day operations – but it’s time. And I’ll miss writing these updates. But, most of all, I’ll miss all of you. From John and I – thank you … for everything. You are the best!

Springfield Fair Results 2022

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 18:11:04 GMT

Exhibit Hall
As we say good-by to another fair a new chapter is about to begin. The Exhibit Hall was very busy this year. We had a total of 30 people entering 184 items. There were many wonderful comments about the quality of the work coming into the hall. The judges were pleased with the increase we have had in the vegetable display and that people are starting to use the seed swap. This year Karla Marvin did a fabulous vegetable, herb and floral display which gave her the Best of Show, as well as, the Nesin Award. Alberta Owen received Spirit of the Fair Award for her continued support in entering items into the fair. Thank you Lori for helping to get mom’s things to us. This year Marilyn Worster won the Valued Senior Award. I appreciate all of you that brought things in to enter. Hope to see all of you next year as well as any newcomers. Keep up the good work.

See you next year,

Pamela

Demo Derby---13 Cars

Heat Winners

Heat 1

1st Chris Woodard

2nd Dustin Gordan

3rd Deacon Connors

Heat 2

1st Devon Peters

2nd Sheldon Woodard

3rd Spencer Johnson

Overall Winners

1st Chris Woodard

2nd Devon Peters

3rd Dustin Gordan & Sheldon Woodard

Best Paint

1st Spencer Johnson #58

2nd Deacon Connors #248

3rd Dustin Gordan #1

Classic and Antique Car Show---31 Cars

Antique to 1949

1st Bryce Clay 1946 Chevy Pickup

1950s

1st David York 1954 International

2nd John Brown 1956 Ford F100

3rd Herb Northcote 1951 Pontiac Cheifton

1960s

1st Grant Clay 1966 Chevy Chevelle

2nd Patrick James 1963 Ford Fairlane 500

3rd Sonny Hornbrook 2964 Chevy Super Sport

1970s

1st John Boutot 1970 Chevy Chevelle

2nd James Smith 1970 Porshe1914-6

3rd Tom McLaughlin 1976 Chevy Impala

1980s

1st David Stevens 1988 Chevy Camero

1990s

1st Francis Willette 1999 Ford Mustang GT

2nd Joanne Pottle 1999 Chevy corvette

2000-2009

1st Paul Fitzgerald 2009 Ford Mustang GT California Special

2nd Kim Sherburn 2004 Ford Thunderbird

2010-Current

1st Matthew St. Peter 2016 Chevy Corvette

Street

1st Daniel York 1929 Model A

Muscle

1st Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro

2nd Kevin Steward 1972 Dodge Charger

3rd Kristie Cooper 1968 Chevy Chevelle

4 Wheel Drive Truck

1st Dan Goll 1959 Chevy Napco

2nd John Duvall 1991 Dodge 150

3rd John Prior 1974 Ford F250

2 Wheel Drive Truck

1st Wayne Williams 1982 Chevy C-10

2nd Denis Bachelder 1955 Chevy 3100

3rd Duane Furlong 1960 Ford F-100

Corvettes

1st Robert Davis 1968 Chevy Corvette

2nd Roger Holst 1966 Corvette

3rd Gary Dougherty 2002 Corvette

People’s Choice Award

Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro

Best of Show

Mike Reynolds 1969 Chevy Camaro

Whoopie Pie Contest---4 entries

1st Becky MacIlroy

2nd Deborah Tilton

3rd Alan Dill

Open Pie Contest---1 entries

1st Deborah Tilton

$100 Prize Drawing---34 participants

Age up to 10 years

Kolt Dennison

Ages 11-18

Caleb Knight

Kids Woodsman Day----24 participants

Log Roll

1st place Henry Doane

2nd place Bates Bradford

3rd place Jensen Powers

PMP

1st place Ethan Friend

2nd place Stephen McDunnah

3rd place Colby Doane

Speed Cut

1st Dakota Knights

2nd Colby Doane

3rd Stephen McDunnah

Log Roll

1st Ashton Powers

2nd Caleb Knights & Connor Pickering

3rd Isabella Bui & Rivers Bradford

PWP

1st Rhianna Duval

2nd Caleb Knights

3rd Ashton Powers

Speed Cut

1st Ashton Powers

2nd Rhianna Duval

3rd Caleb Knights

Kids Tractor Pulls---16 participants

Ages 2-5

1st Remy Bradford

2nd Henry Doane

3rd Kolt Dennison

4th Ellie McDunnah

5th Colton Grahm

Ages 6-11

1st Ashton Powers

2nd Bates Bradford

4th Stephen Staples

5th Jensen Powers

Children’s Day Events---17 Participants

Oreo Cookie Stacking

1st Caleb Knight

2nd Dakota Knight

3rd Lily Mitchell

Bubble Gum Blowing

1st Lily Mitchell

2nd Esthella Dill

3rd River Bradford

Sack Race

Ages 9 and under

1st Colt Bradford

2nd Dominic Tash

3rd Ethan Vadakin

Ages 10 and older

1st Jonah Stanley

2nd Lily Mitchell

3rd Esabella Bui

Pig Scramble---21 Participants

Winners

Ashton Powers

Caleb Knights

Tristen Lambert

Johnathan Ethridge

Alina Emery

Dawson Freeman

Colt Bradford

Eel Racing---28 Participants

Scavenger Hunt---7 Participants

Piñata---12 Participants

Ethan Friend---winner

Kaiden Russell

Alexia Russell

Sam Libby

Kolt Dennison

Anthony Modarelli

Chris Modarelli

Caleb Knight

Dakota Knight

Rubie McLaughlin

Colby Doane

Henry Doane

Ethella Dill

Dylan Moore

Women’s Triathlon---12 Participants

Skillet for Accuracy

1st Elizabeth Chanpagne

2nd Natalie MacIroy

3rd Aimee Donavan

Toilet Seat for Distance

1st Shelby Bradford

2nd Emma Gerkin

3rd Elizabeth Champagne

Mop Chuck for Distance

1st Shelby Bradford

2nd Elizabeth Champagne

3rd Emma Gerkin

Overall Winners

1st Elizabeth Campagne

2nd Shelby Bradford

3rd Emma Gerkin

Northern Maine Antique Tractor Pull---17 Tractors

2000

1st Candi Foster

2nd Dennis Quint

3rd Emily Folsom

3000

1st Chad Ouellette

2nd Dennis Quint

3rd Meredith Folsom

4000

1st Dennis Quint

2nd Paul Folsom

3rd Chris Folsom

5000

1st Peter Folsom

2nd Sonny Folsom

3rd Thomas Jordan

6000

1st Emily Folsom

2nd Chris Langille

3rd Pat Rivard

2500

1st Candi Foster

2nd Larry Foster

3rd Emily Folsom

3500

1st Dennis Quint

2nd Roger Quint

3rd Chad Ouellette

4500

1st Dennis Quint

2nd Chris Folsom

3rd Paul Folsom

5500

1st Scott Jordan

2nd David Leighton

3rd Peter Folsom

6500

1st Pat Rivard

2nd Chris Langille

Horse Show—6 participants

Halter Western Horse

1st Brooke Thompson

2nd Lauren Page

3rd Nevaeh Ethridge

English Horse in Hand

1st Lauren Page

Showmanship Ages 6-12

1st Nevaeh Ethridge

Showmanship Ages 13-17

1st Lauren Page

2nd Brooke Thompson

Walk/Trot Equitation 12 and Under

1st Nevaeh Ethridge

English Equitation Ages 13-17

1st Mirage Priller

English Equitation Ages 18+

1st Cora Hicks

2nd Lauren Page

English Pleasure Ages 13-17

1st Mirage Priller

English Pleasure Ages 18+

1st Lauren Page

2nd Cora Hicks

English Pleasure Stakes

1st Mirage Priller

2nd Lauren Page

3rd Cora Hicks

Equitation Over Fences

1st Cora Hicks

2nd Mirage Priller

3rd Lauren Page

Jumping 2 ’

1st Mirage Priller

2nd Cora Hicks

Western Walk/Trot Equitation Ages 12 and Under

1st Neveah Ethridge

Western Equitation Ages 13-17

1st Mirage Priller

Western Walk/Trot Equitation Ages 18+

1st Lauren Page

2nd Brook Thompson

Western Pleasure Ages 6-12

1st Nevaeh Ethridge

Western Pleasure Ages 13-17

1st Mirage Priller

Western Pleasure Ages 18+

1st Lauren Page

2nd Brooke Thompson

Western Pleasure Stakes

1st Mirage Priller

2nd Lauren Page

3rd Nevaeh Ethridge

Trail Class Ages 12 and Under

1st Nevaeh Ethridge

Trail Class Ages 13 and over

1st Lauren Page

2nd Mirage Priller

3rd Brooke Thompson

Egg and Spoon

1st Mirage Priller

2nd Lauren Page

3rd Nevaeh Ethridge

4th Brooke Thompson

Grand Prize $1,000 Winner

Allen Dill

2022 Springfield Fair Photos

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:33:53 GMT

Win a Car or $1,000 at the Fair.

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:41:50 GMT

Are you one of those unlucky folks who have never won anything in your life? Do ya buy lottery tickets every week? Throw some money at the local fire departments gun raffle? Purchase a few chances on the snow sled or ATV club’s raffle? And never win a friggin’ thing? Well, your luck has changed. I can feel it. You are gonna be the lucky winner of our brand spankin’ new 2022 Corvette ….. or some other slightly used car or truck. The Springfield Fair is bringing back our “car giveaway” spectacular.

At the end of the day, on Saturday Sept. 3rd at around 7:00 pm, we will be giving away one of the following: 1) a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette or a 2) used car or truck or 3) $1000. Dustin and Ashley, of Up In Smoke Auto Recycling , are on the hunt for one of the first two prizes. If for any reason they are unable to locate a decent vehicle we will still give one lucky winner a check for $1000. That’s right. You heard it here. If your name is drawn from the bottom of one of our porta potties (or a hat), you will be the recipient of 100,000 Lincoln pennies, 200 five dollar bills or one hundred ten dollar bills. Really – at the very least you could win $1000. All you have to do is fill out the registration form (given to you at the gate as you pay the entry fee to the fair), drop if off in the pavilion and be in attendance after the truck pulls (7:00 pm more or less) to hear your name announced.

View the 2022 Fair Schedule: View Here

And if winning a car or $1000 isn’t enough, we’ll be selling penny candy again in the museum. Plus, for the young ‘uns, we’ll be passin’ out free stuff as you enter the fairgrounds. Who needs mega millions when we’ve got the Springfield Fair?! Come out to the big city on Friday and Saturday of Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2 & 3) and enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Maine’s oldest and most traditional agricultural fairs. You won’t regret it and hey …. Just like Motel 6 – “we’ll leave the lights on for ya”.

Thank you to the generous support of the following businesses who make this fair possible!

Access Auto & Lincoln Power Sports

Affordable Plumbing

Bangor Savings Bank

Berg Activewear

Bloomer, Russell & Beaupain

Carl's Auto Parts

Carlos Lopez & Assoc.

Clay, Grant Family

Coastal Auto Parts, Lincoln

Collins, Al, Penny and Tyler

Crane Brothers Farms

Cumberland Title

CWA & Lake Street Real Estate

D & D Paving

Dead River Company

Downs, Dave & Greta

F.A. Peabody Company

Gateway Title

Hannaford

H.C. HAYNES, INC.

Hogan Tire

Houghton Cedar Products

Ireland's Rubbish Service

Katahdin FCU

Lee Motors

Leisure Living Lands Lincoln News

Dr. Durwin Libby

Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union

Machias Savings Bank

MADDEN, S.F. INC.

Maine Financial Group

Oakhurst Dairy

PAT'S PIZZA

Pelletier Ford of Lincoln

Raymond's Variety & Diner

Ritchie, Loren and Liz

Sleeping Bear Campground & Cabins

Stanley, Steve and Lorraine

State Farm Insurance

Steaks N' Stuff

SW Collins

Thompson Trucking, Inc.

Timberland Trucking

Town of Lincoln

Tractor Supply

United Country Lifestyle Properties of Maine

UP IN SMOKE AUTO RECYCLING

Varney Agency

WARE'S POWER EQUIPMENT & HUSQVARNA

Here Comes the Fair and My Dearest Friends.

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:26:43 GMT

As my tenure as an owner of this grand old fair comes to an end, I think back on all of the wonderful people who have helped make the Springfield Fair so unique and special. Many good friends and family members have passed on. To be fair, I’ve been an owner for only 31 years. This ole girl was started back in 1851. There must have been thousands of dedicated local people who helped build our fair into the special event and unique part of the local history that it is today.

2022 Fair Schedule: View Now

To name a few (please forgive me if your family member’s name is not noted here. There have been far too many to mention – but they will always be remembered) – my mom, Elizabeth Ritchie, who loved to bake, coddle, encourage and smile while staffing the information booth with Ken and Tina . Normie Ham who worked tirelessly to prepare our facility for the thousands who unknowingly walked across his recently cut grass. Tim Blanchard – always offering Joanne’s help in whatever venture or project he felt worthy ---- for her to do. Charlie Simpson , a kind and good natured, perfect example of what makes the Fair special. Dick Curless – our first famous performer who loved the Springfield Fair like no other. Pauline Arbo who raced into the beano hall every year to try and enhance her kid’s inheritance with fresh bingo winnings. Roger & Terri Stacey – he for many years of quietly keeping the grounds safe and clean – she for forcing me to see the fair through the eyes of an excited Springfield (Lakeville) inhabitant. Jason Ham … “I’ll tell ya one G.D. thing” – always a laugh while he brought his dog Laddie to take/leave a fresh pile on our lawn. Clayton & Claire Raymond – always there and ready to help. Fernald Linscott – telling stories of yester year by starting out contemplatively “I’m just a simple man” … and then giving a brief lesson in local history. Hazen Sawtelle – recently passed – one of the small group who helped save the fair from extinction and by selling to Kevin and I in 1991. Everett McLeod – the voice of the fair “give ‘em a good hand ladies and gentlemen.” My blushing bride’s grandparents – Helen and Erland Goodhue – 5th generation dairy farmers, picked up trash, encouraged kids and into their 90’s wanting to be a part of something as special as our fair. Oopie Thompson – the comical but kind announcer for the Talent Show. Steve & Therese Sawyer – loyal, honest, kind and kinda caustic (only Steve ). And Tina Pond – as kind and caring person as any of us will ever meet.

There are so many more who should be named. Please forgive me. I could only mention a few. It is my hope that, while reading through the few names, you will remember your special family members or friends who have been an important part of the fabric of this incredible institution – The Springfield Fair.

I have been blessed and honored to be a small part of the fair. I would like to thank each and every one of you (past and present) who have allowed me to be a part of the area and this wonderful fair, to let me do my thing while trying to put together a fair, some concerts and other events that, hopefully, helping bring commerce to local merchants, entice new folks to the area and put a smile on your kid’s face. It has been a blast. For 31 years much of my time has been spent putting together “this year’s” Springfield Fair – the first 15 with Kevin and these last 16 years with Krafty (assisted by Clyde ---- among others). Thank you gentlemen.

Now, it’s on to the new owners – Dustin Gordon and Ashley LaDuke . Go get ‘em. May the wind be always at your backs.

To all those who directly helped me/us build the fair – our superintendents, volunteers, exhibitors, friends & families – it never could have happened without you. To the patriarch of the fair – Ron Doane – you and your family were here long before I was. Doing what needed to be done. Well done kind sir(s). Carrie – putting up with my bitching. Isaac – for putting up with me always having to do something fair related – not enough time for wiffle ball and for growing up in the era without a carnival. I’ll have more time now – God willing.

Always support local people and local events. That is where memories are made. There’s no place like Maine and there’s nothing quite like the Springfield Fair! See ya Labor Day Weekend - I want to see you there!

Enter Your Animals in the Fair

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 18:49:53 GMT

Seriously though, we are working hard to try and fill our stalls. If you would like for you and your kids or grandkids to be a part of the 172nd Springfield Fair – call Kirk at 738-2888.

View/Print the 2022 Springfield Fair Schedule Now

We are also hoping to fill our wonderful, old exhibit hall with handy work, crocheting, quilts, knitting, fresh vegetables, unique photos, farm displays or any other items that can help teach the younger generation how things were made and where food comes from. You probably won’t believe this but one of the soon to be new owners of the fairgrounds is sitting at home right now putting together a patchwork quilt. That’s right. I have it on “good authority” that Duston Gordon is a closet handy work specialist. And to add a bit more spice to the story – I was just sent a video of Clyde, in an apron, baking pies for our pie contest. He’s wearing pink bunny slippers, has his hair in curlers and is singing a Captain and Tenile song at the top of his lungs. Bless their hearts – how they do love the ole Springfield Fair!

Calling all critters. We need you to come to the Springfield Fair and be an exhibitionist. We have wonderful accommodations – 10’ x 10’ stalls with plenty of fresh shavings. Crystal clear, ice cold water. Kids who will “ooh and aah” over you. Heck, you can even go to the bathroom where you stand and someone will clean it up for you. And, if you are lucky, you may even win some prize money – for just standing there. It sounds like a Joe Biden program – free money and no work. Animal Entry Form here .

So please, don’t be shy. If Dustin and Clyde can pitch in to help the fayuh…don’t ya think that you could too? Enter items in our exhibit hall. Bring some critters to display (call Kirk to reserve a stall at 738-2888). Join our baking contests. Participate. Have the kids and grandkids be a part of this smashin’ little agricultural fair. Turn off the electronics for the weekend and come out to the big city. There’s no road construction in Springfield! Just blue sky, green grass, clean country air and warm memories to be made with the family.

For all fair info go to: www.thespringfieldfair.com

Pig Racing & Pig Scrambles & More for 2022

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:18:53 GMT

I’m pooped. And I’m pumped. And according to my son – I’m old. Let’s begin with pooped. Our Lonestar concert was last week and it was a blast. Of the 20, or so, national concerts that we have done, this is one of my two absolute favorites. (The other was the Marshal Tucker Band). Lonestar’s sound and light production – including video boards which we have never been able to accommodate – were well beyond anything our little facility has seen. The band members and their entire crew were great to work with. The crowd was wonderful and into it… particularly one gentleman (who will, for now, remain nameless) who danced for about two straight hours.

But, a show like this takes a ton of planning and has not just a little bit of stress involved. So – I’m pooped. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in making the night a success. We are all very grateful.

View the 2022 Fully Printable Schedule here.

Now – I’m pumped. We have only a couple of weeks before the 172nd Springfield Fair arrives. On September 2 & 3, we will hold, what will be, my last fair as an owner. I’m excited because we will be offering a large amount of kid friendly, fun events. Although there will not be any carnival rides, we will have a bungy jump available and a small bounce for the little ones. Still hoping for pony rides and a strong display of livestock . In addition to the 12-15 kids games involved in our free ice cream giveaway (see our website for more details – www.thespringfieldfair.com), Ashley – soon to be the new owner – will have more free games for kids, ongoing all day, in the barn area.

Additionally, we will have a small gift/prize to hand out to every kid, up to 18, who pays to enter the fairgrounds. And we are not afraid to offer a gift to the young at heart too; if you are over 18 and want a gift – just ask. We’ll do our best to accommodate you “older kids” too.

We have loads of “bigger” entertainment too, including: Antique tractor pulls , car show, pickup pulls, musical entertainment , pie and whoopie baking contest , a quilt show, a wonderful exhibition hall , a pig scramble , pig racing , eel racing , kids woodsman’s day events , an animal herding demonstration, BMX stunt bike show , women’s triathlon and a car giveaway.

With games to play, healthy (wink wink) fair food available, critters to be seen, cash to be won – why would you be anywhere but the Springfield Fair ?!?! Throw your kid’s phones in the toilet (Katie Krapf did…). Turn off the iPads. Shut don all of your electronic devices and spend some good, quality family time together in Springfield. You can even participate with your kids and grandkids in some of these games/events. Watch ‘em wrassle a pig or pick up a river eel. Spend an hour or two in the circa 1890’s grandstand enjoying some great music or watching a host of fun and funny kids events.

Traditional, fun, family entertainment found only at the 172nd Springfield Fair. Come spend a day and a half with us – you won’t regret it.

2022 Lonestar Photos

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:12:49 GMT

Here are some of the very best photos of our most recent concert at the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds - we can't wait to do it again! We had a great night with Lonestar and Adam Curtis! We’ll see you all again over Labor Day Weekend as we look forward to the 172nd Springfield Fair - View the 2022 fair schedule here .

Many thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers who made this night possible. Photography by Skull Kandy Ramble.

Richardsons Hardware

Pelletier Ford of Lincoln

Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union

Carlos Lopez & Associates

Treeline Inc.

Rick Burpee - State Farm Insurance Agent

CWA & Lake Street Real Estate

Cumberland Title Co.

Gateway Title of Maine,

Classic Country 94.7 Kixx FM

Motorbrain Consulting Inc.

4R Animal Shelter

2022 Springfield Fair Schedule of Events

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 13:18:51 GMT

The 172nd Springfield Fair returns to the fairgrounds on September 2nd and 3rd of Labor Day Weekend and have brought back many of your favorite traditions! The whole family with laugh at the Pig Racing - but wait... We will also host Eel Racing as well! If you're not all about racing then perhaps a Pig Scramble is more your style.

View the full 2022 Springfield Fair Printable Brochure of Events here.

“For everyone paying daily admission, you will receive a survey form to fill out and return to the pavilion. At around 7pm (after the truck pulls) we will draw one lucky winner’s name from a hat to win one nice prize.”- A used car. When kids enter the grounds, they will be given a "Children’s Day" Scorecard. For every kids event that they participate in, they should have the event superintendent initial the form. If they participate in at least 5 events, they will receive a free ice cream and a chance to win $100. Qualifying events are: 1. Gold Dust, 2. Face Painting, 3. Bubble gum Blowing, 4. Sac Race, 5. Woodsman’s Day - all 3 events are needed for the initials, 6. Scavenger Hunt, 7. Kids Tractor Pulls, 8. Oreo Cookie Stacking, 9. Hot Shot Hoops, 10. Piñata. 11. Football Toss for accuracy, 12. Baseball toss for accuracy. We may add more events to the list. $100 Drawing will take place at 3:00pm in the pavilion.

2022 SPRINGFIELD FAIR PROGRAM

Monday, Aug. 29

9am-5pm Enter items in the exhibit hall
4H items may be entered into the exhibit hall
Bring seeds for seed swap in the exhibit hall

Tuesday, Aug. 30

9am-5pm Enter items in the exhibit hall
4H items may be entered into the exhibit hall
Bring seeds for seed swap in the exhibit hall

Wednesday, Aug. 31

9am-5pm Enter items in the exhibit hall
4H projects may be entered in to the exhibit hall
Bring seeds for seed swap in the exhibit hall

Thursday, Sept. 1

9am-5pm Enter items in the exhibit hall (no entries after 5:00 pm today)
4H Projects may be entered in the exhibit hall
Bring seeds for seed swap in the exhibit hall

FRIDAY - Sept. 2nd --

Admission price: $10 per person $3.00 Parking Fee

9am

Judging in the Exhibit Hall - You CAN NOT enter items today.

4:00pm

5:00pm

Gates open to the public

Vendors, Concessions & games will be open

Museum open until 6:00pm - Penny candy available tonight & tomorrow

Log cabin Information booth is open to sell shirts until 6:00pm

7:00 pm

Demolition Derby - track near grandstand

There will be some “critters” available to see tonight

SATURDAY - Sept. 3rd --

Admission prices: ages 1-3 free, ages 4-12/military/62 and older and law enforcement $10 per person, ages 13-61 $15 per person; Parking $3.00

8:00am

Gates open to the public

Registration for horse show - horse show area

Concession Foods - All Day - Midway Area

9:00am

Sheep Shearing - barn area through 2:00 pm

Horse Show - horse show arena

Horse + Wagon Rides - available all day

Exhibit Hall opens

Football Toss for Accuracy - can be done anytime during the day

Baseball Toss for Accuracy - can be done anytime during the day

Livestock exhibited throughout the day - barn area

Ashley's games for kids- all day in the barn area- FREE

Gold Dust Digging - barn area - kids to age 8 (more or less). All Day Long

Museum Opens - Penny candy will be available all day (while it lasts)

Face Painting - barn area

Military vehicle & equipment display - midway area

10:00am

Antique Car Show - Bandstand Area

Bungy jump available all day in the midway area

Antique Tractor Pulls - north end of track

Bubble Gum Blowing Contest - Pavilion

Oreo cookie stacking contest - Pavilion (after bubble gum blowing)

Quilting Exhibit - Pavilion until mid afternoon

Spinning Exhibition - Pavilion until mid afternoon

Sac Race - Pavilion - immediately following the bubble gum contest

10:30am

Kids Woodman’s Day events (all ages) - Demo Derby Area

10:45am

BMX Stunt Bike Show - Stage

11:00am

Eel Racing- Pulling Ring

11:30am

Scavenger Hunt - Pavilion - Can be done anytime up until 2:30 +/-

11:45am

BMX Stunt Bike Show - Stage

Kids Tractor Pull - Demo Derby Area

12:00pm

Pie Judging & Whoopie Pie Judging - Pavilion

Pig Scramble for 8-12 yr old kids - Pulling Ring (2 age groups)

Animal Herding Demonstration - track area in front of stage

12:15pm

Pig "Racing" - Pulling Ring

12:30pm

Fred Costlow - A Music Experience

1:30pm

Eel Racing - Pulling Ring

2:00pm

Women’s Triathlon - Demo Derby Area

Seed Spitting - Skillet Toss - Toilet Seat Throw - Mop Chuck

BMX Stunt Bike Show - Stage

Hot Shot Hoops Competition - track - south end of grandstand

2:30pm

Piñata for kids to age 10 (share the candy with everyone) - Pavilion

3:00pm

Drawing for $100 prize for Children’s Day event participants (ages 1-10, must compete in >5 of the events) - Pavilion

Drawing for $100 prize for “teens” event participants (ages 11-18, must compete in >5 of the events) - Pavilion

3:30pm

Truck Pulls - front of grandstand

7:00pm

“One Big Prize--drawing survey participants” We are giving away a used car.

View the full 2022 Springfield Fair Printable Brochure of Events here.

Thank you to the generous support of the following businesses who make this fair possible!

Access Auto & Lincoln Power Sports

Affordable Plumbing

Bangor Savings Bank

Berg Activewear

Bloomer, Russell & Beaupain

Carl's Auto Parts

Carlos Lopez & Assoc.

Clay, Grant Family

Coastal Auto Parts, Lincoln

Collins, Al, Penny and Tyler

Crane Brothers Farms

Cumberland Title

CWA & Lake Street Real Estate

D & D Paving

Dead River Company

Downs, Dave & Greta

F.A. Peabody Company

Gateway Title

Hannaford

H.C. HAYNES, INC.

Hogan Tire

Houghton Cedar Products

Ireland's Rubbish Service

Katahdin FCU

Lee Motors

Leisure Living Lands

Lincoln News

Dr. Durwin Libby

Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union

Machias Savings Bank

MADDEN, S.F. INC.

Maine Financial Group

Oakhurst Dairy

PAT'S PIZZA

Pelletier Ford of Lincoln

Raymond's Variety & Diner

Ritchie, Loren and Liz

Sleeping Bear Campground & Cabins

Stanley, Steve and Lorraine

State Farm Insurance

Steaks N' Stuff

SW Collins

Thompson Trucking, Inc.

Timberland Trucking

Town of Lincoln

Tractor Supply

United Country Lifestyle Properties of Maine

UP IN SMOKE AUTO RECYCLING

Varney Agency

WARE'S POWER EQUIPMENT & HUSQVARNA

LONESTAR RADIO INTERVIEW FOR SPRINGFIELD FAIR.

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:23:10 GMT

All our biggest details about the upcoming Lonestar, The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds show! Listen to our interview with KIXX FM - online ticket sales are open until August 5th. $50 tickets may be purchased at the gate.

Tickets online here .

Gates open at 5:00 PM.

Thanks to the support of the following sponsors:

Richardsons Hardware

Pelletier Ford of Lincoln

Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union

Carlos Lopez & Associates

Treeline Inc.

Rick Burpee - State Farm Insurance Agent

CWA & Lake Street Real Estate

Cumberland Title Co.

Gateway Title of Maine,

Classic Country 94.7 Kixx FM

Motorbrain Consulting Inc.

4R Animal Shelter

Animal Herding Demonstration, 2022

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:07:32 GMT

Animal herding is a tradition that has has long been passed down through the generations. 12:00pm Saturday, September 3rd you will want to view this demonstration at the fairgrounds in the track area in front of the stage.

You may also be interested in the Sheep Shearing going on in the barn area 9:00 am through 2:00 pm continuously.

BMX Stunt Bike Show, 2022

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:22:27 GMT

Enjoy a thrilling BMX show live on the BIG stage in front of the grandstand at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 3rd!

Great talent, thrilling jumps, and an adrenaline performance are going to keep you on the edge of your seat! You may also enjoy Fred Costlow - A Music Experience on the stage at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 3rd.

Sheep Shearing, 2022

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:20:57 GMT

Sheep sheering is an important skill today as it was many years ago in this part of Maine. You can view ongoing demonstrations of sheep sheering in the Barn area on Saturday, September 3rd from 9am - 2pm

You may also be interested in the animal herding demonstration in the track area in front of the stage at 12:00 pm.

Fred Costlow - A Music Experience, 2022

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:28:43 GMT

Join us at the stage at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 3rd for a show that will wow and delight the whole family!

You may also enjoy the adrenaline pumping performances of talented BMX'ers at 2:00 pm on the stage the same day for a stunt bike show!

Demolition Derby is soon - then all eyes are on LONESTAR!

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 14:05:16 GMT

Afternoon. She’s tough to believe we’re halfway through June. Schools out. Bugs are out. Fair’s comin’. What more do you need to know? Actually, before the fair arrives we’ve got a few corkin’ shows coming up. Read on lads and lasses (politically correct???) for all kinds of life altering information.

Things are hoppin’ out in the big city. Rumor has it that Springfield’s gonna be the next Las Vegas. On June 25th we’ve got something new planned. Dustin and Ashley (the soon to be new owners) have been thrashin’ around to put together one heckuva entertaining day full of fun events. The gats open at 9:00 am. I think these are the correct prices – under 10 years age are free – 10-18 is only $5 and 19 and older is only $10. There’ll probably a $3 fee for parking too.

There are some big money payouts for the demolition derby and cornhole tournament. The derby registration will be from 10-11 am. Entry fee is $50 per car. First place pays $2000; 2nd place pays $1000 and 3rd place is $500; 4th place and lower get to pick up the parts on the track when they’re done (kidding.) Plus there’s all kinds of fun games and events for the kids – all day long. There is also a BIG cornhole tournament . $30 per team to enter with 1st place paying $1000 and 2nd place paying $500. This ought to be a cinch. I’ve seen some of you guys hit road signs with bottles at 60 mph. Tossing a little bag full of corn into a stationary hole thirty feet away has got to be simple. I’m guessing that even Joe Biden could do it ….. I think …. maybe…. well….hmmmm

Registering for the cornhole around 4pm. Tourney around 5pm. At 6pm Jamie Barton performs. Not sure if it’s true but the locals are hinting that Tate Aylward may be singing with Mr. Barton. Stay tuned for updates.

And as if all this isn’t enough, there’s a big fireworks show going off at dark. Springfield Fairgrounds. June 25th. Be there or be square (for people under 40 – ask your parents). Sponsors for the big day are: Maine Woods Crafts , The Forester Pub , Northern Pine Creations , K&K Kakes and Nicastro’s Landscaping .

Then… on August 6th we have our biggest concert yet. Lonestar will be performing on the Moores Family Stage at the Springfield Fairgrounds. Seriously – Lonestar – in Springfield, Maine. And opening for Lonestar will be a regional favorite – Adam Curtis . I have it on good authority (Bruce Thornton) that Garth Brooks wanted Adam to open for him on August 6th but Adam chose the bigger band and he’ll be with us and Lonestar . Mr. Brooks, perhaps next year you can come perform in Springfield and Adam could open for you then. Just a thought (arguably not my strong point).

BUY TICKETS NOW.

Don’t wait. Buy now – baby needs new shoes.

And I’d be making a huge mistake if I didn’t thank our incredible sponsors. I cannot stress enough how important our local businesses are for events like this. Our area businesses are the lifeblood of the region. When you have a chance please take a moment to say “thank you” to the folks at: Carlos Lopez & Associates , Pelletier Ford of Lincoln , State Farm Insurance with Rick Burpee , Treeline Inc. , CWA & Lake St. Real Estate , Ware’s Power Equipment & Husqvarna , Stephen & Lorraine Stanley, Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union , Richardson’s of Patten , Gateway Title of Maine , Motorbrain Consulting Inc. , KIXX FM and Cumberland Title .

For more information on all upcoming events in Springfield go to www.thespringfieldfair.com . We are excited to see all of you at the fairgrounds. Thank you for your continued support.

June Demolition Derby, Springfield Fairgrounds

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:48:16 GMT

A bonus Demolition Derby is coming to the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds on June 25th 2022 and you're invited! The 172nd Springfield Fair will take place September 2nd & 3rd of 2022.

This is great family fun for all ages - you will enjoy fair-style concessions, Corn Hole Tournament, and HUGE demolition derby! Event details are still being finalized. A signed and completed wavier is required by all contestants. Stay in the loop with event details here .

June Demolition Derby registration form & rules here.

Who: Contestants & the spectators are invited.

Where: The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds

91 Park Street, Springfield, Maine

When: All Day - Saturday, June 25th

What: Demolition Derby, Concessions, Vendors, and Cornhole Tournament

Vendors may apply here .

Admission:

18 and older, $10

10-18, $5

10 and under, FREE

Lonestar to Rock the Springfield Fairgrounds in Maine this August.

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:40:53 GMT

It looks like we may have hit on a good concert. The excited comments that I’ve been getting most frequently this past month are “Really?! Lonestar ?!” It seems that folks are more excited about our upcoming (August 6, 2022) Lonestar concert than any other in recent memory. Whew. I was scared shirtless (remove one letter to more fully understand…) when I signed my name to the Lonestar contract. Although I’ve always wanted to do a “big concert”, I could never quite muster up the courage (or stupidity as John would say) to pull the financial trigger. With the fairgrounds being turned over to Up In Smoke Auto Recycling at the end of December, I figured “it’s now or never”.

We started working on our “one, last, big show” in the fall. Fortunately, we were able to work an agreement with one of the biggest country bands of the 1990’s & 2000’s. Yes, they are actually coming to perform in Little Old Springfield, Maine on August 6th. Advance sale tickets are just $40 and can be purchased at:

Raymond’s Variety & Diner in Lee,
Smith’s General Store in Springfield,
Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union in Lincoln,
Any member of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department (call Jim at 290-3090)
Here online through our website.

Day of show tickets will be $50. No tickets will be sold at local locations after 5:00 pm on August 5th.

We will offer free camping and parking at our “parking field” – adjacent to the fairgrounds. Advance reservations are requested, on our website, for camping. There will be limited availability. On site parking will be $5 per car. The gates will open at 5 pm. Our opening band, Adam Curtis , will take the stage at 6:30 with Lonestar starting around 8:00 pm. Beer and food will be available on site. No coolers allowed – no exceptions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. No dogs allowed – please. Bring your folding chair, sweatshirt or umbrella. General admission seating. Our grandstand holds about 900.

With my 32nd and final fair upcoming, I am psyched to be a part of one more great show, at the historic Springfield Fairgrounds. These shows are fun – scary – stressful and always a relief to have “in the rearview mirror”. Lonestar and the Springfield Fairgrounds – what an abso-friggin’-lutely wonderful combination. Kind of like beer and pretzels, lions and raw meat, or smiles and the Springfield Fairgrounds !

Something more that I’d like to point out – these shows are all sponsored by local businesses and local people. Without their continued support of our (and many other) events, we would be unable to offer this level of quality entertainment. We are still in the process of accepting sponsors so please know that I will be introducing them to you in the upcoming weeks and months. As you see who has stepped up to help bring you this concert – please take a moment to thank them. Let them know that we all appreciate their generosity and concern for our area.

And, more importantly, we are grateful for them providing good jobs to the good people of the Greater Lincoln area. They pay the bulk of our local taxes and provide jobs that are much needed. Sadly, business owners are not always fully appreciated. For today, take a minute to thank them. The following is a partial list of our sponsors: Richardson's , Pelletier Ford . Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union , Carlos Lopez & Associates , Treeline, Inc. , State Farm Insurance , CWA & Lake Street Real Estate . Cumberland Title Co. , Gateway Title Company KIXX FM , Motorbrain Consulting Inc ., 4R Animal Shelter

One last note – the future owners of the fairgrounds are Dustin Gordon and Ashley LaDuke. They are excited and working hard to help us with another big night at the fairgrounds. On June 25th we will be promoting a big demolition derby along with a huge fireworks show at dark. There will also be a corn hole tournament and other family style entertainment.

Dustin and Ashley are fully involved and dedicated to bringing the fair back to a four day event. We have been working together to try and bring back a carnival beginning in 2023. Keep watch for further announcements! See ya soon and thanks to all!

Lonestar at The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:28:58 GMT

The Springfield Fair Association is proud to present Lonestar as our BIG Summer Concert for 2022!

Headliner:

Lonestar

Opening Performance:

Adam Curtis

Where:

The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds - 91 Park Street, Springfield, Maine

When:

Saturday, August 6th - gates open at 5:00 PM

What:

Country Music, Concessions, Beer Pavilion, Camping, and Vendors

Sponsored by: Richardson's , Pelletier Ford . Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union , Carlos Lopez & Associates , Treeline, Inc. , State Farm Insurance , CWA & Lake Street Real Estate . Cumberland Title Co. , Gateway Title Company , Motorbrain Consulting Inc. , KIXX FM , 4R Animal Shelter

You and the whole family are invited to the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 6th as we celebrate Springfield's night of country music. Guests will enjoy fair-style concessions, country super stars, and free camping on site.

Tickets are on sale now online here and at local Maine retailers. No coolers permitted - review all rules & regulations here .

Not every musician has the opportunity to revisit and even potentially improve upon their biggest hits. But on the forthcoming TEN to 1 record , the award-winning band Lonestar —Dean Sams (keyboards, acoustic guitar, background vocals), Michael Britt (lead guitarist, background vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums) and Drew Womack (lead vocals, guitar)—are taking a fresh look at all 10 of their chart-topping country songs.

This streak started in 1996 with the band's second single, the rock-edged "No News," which describes a man left bereft (and confused) when his girlfriend suddenly disappears, and the following year's tender " Come Cryin ' to Me" and “ Everything’s Changed. ” The band's quadruple-platinum 1999 album Lonely Grill spawned four No. 1 hits (including the beloved global smash "Amazed") and established Lonestar as music's preeminent pop-country band—a status they'd maintain through the 2000s and beyond, thanks to songs full of energy and creative lyrics (" What About Now ") and (" Mr. Mom "), along with heartfelt messages and soaring melodies (“ I’m Already There ”).

With these re-recordings, the band members were mindful of striking a balance between preserving the sonic elements fans were familiar with—and not repeating them. "It was a high wire act trying to figure out how to change it a little bit and not throw people off too much," Britt says. "I've seen bands that when they do the big hits that I know, and they change it up too much, I feel disappointed. I think people want to sing along—the vocal melody is what people really are latching onto the majority of time.

"That's what was in everybody's minds when we were trying to come up with different arrangements, was trying to keep the vocal melody true," he continues. "Don't change it so much that people go, 'That's not even the same song.'"

As a result, many of Lonestar's re-recordings have merely cosmetic updates and changes. "Mr. Mom" is "a little bit more country-sounding," Britt says, while Sams created some loops for "Smile" to "make it more modern-feeling, and have a little more motion," he says. "It's a little bigger-sounding than what the original record is. We kept most of the songs pretty close to the originals, but with just more updated, modern sounds."

The changes to " Amazed ," meanwhile, reflect the power ballad's status as an exclamation mark during concerts. "Since it's usually the biggest part or finale of the show, we've made it a little bit more bombastic," Britt says. "We didn't want to change it so much as just to make it more epic."

TEN to 1 reflects the ways Lonestar's hits have evolved over the years during the band's rousing, high-energy concerts. For example, Britt improvised a guitar solo in the studio for the new version of "Tell Her," just as he's done live in the last few years.

"We've all played these songs live so much that we've morphed them over the years and play them a little bit differently," Sams says. "In re-recording them, it was taking all the different things that we have done and harnessing it into the best direction for today. Michael's got a lot better guitar sounds than he had when we made a lot of these hits; Keech has better drums." Sams also produced the TEN to 1 record sessions, and he approached the songs with fresh ears from both a musical and studio perspective. "I had to look at the music this time, like, 'As not only a band member, but as the producer of this record, how can I keep the integrity of what made the songs the hits they were—but also update them so when people listen to them, there's something unique and different about them that catches their ear for today's time?'"

Perhaps the biggest example of this contemporary updating is "Come Cryin' to Me," which the band members agree is the biggest sonic departure. A particular concert by indie-folk act The Lumineers inspired a completely new direction for the song; Lonestar's updated version has gang vocals, four-on-the-floor beats, and percussion that adds a galloping vibe.

Womack, who joined the group in early 2021, also put his own soulful spin on the songs, and brought his deep experience recording session and lead vocals to the studio process. "I sat there and listened to each song about 20 times, and the phrasing and the feel of the new tracks, and tried to absorb it to where I can sing it in one take," he says. "And then I went in and sang four or five passes, and then go back and listen to it and choose the best track."

The vocalist is also no stranger to chart success. He co-wrote Kenny Chesney's first No. 1 hit, "She's Got It All," while his former band, Sons of the Desert, also had multiple country hits in the '90s and collaborated with Lee Ann Womack on her crossover hit "I Hope You Dance." Drew Womack also has deep personal and professional ties to his new band; Sons of the Desert crossed paths with Lonestar many times, even opening shows for them early on.

"We actually covered a couple of the songs that I'm re-recording," Womack says. "It's surreal re-recording for a greatest hits record songs that I covered back when I was 23, 24. But it's been great. We have very similar tastes in music and similar temperaments. And I've always been a band guy from day one—so this is just like coming home, like flopping right back into a band. It feels right to me."

The rest of Lonestar also speak of how easily Womack fit into the lineup. "Everybody has a best friend somewhere—and then all of a sudden, at the job that you love, you get to work with them every day," Rainwater says. "It's a great feeling that one of your good friends is now one of your bandmates. And it shows on stage when we play—it comes through in the music a little bit, in the attitude and the stage presence."

Adds Sams: "His vocals are soulful. What I love about him is that you feel every word that he sings, which is probably the biggest compliment I can give. He has this really unique way of attaching himself to the lyric of the song and making the audience that is listening to him feel what he is feeling. It's a gift."

Lonestar to perform live at the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds in 2022

Lonestar's roots date back to the early '90s, when Sams originally moved to Nashville from his native Texas intending to be a solo artist. However, after a few months, he realized that he was better suited for a band and recruited Britt and Rainwater. Lonestar found success out of the gate with their self-titled 1995 debut, which spawned the hit "Tequila Talkin'" along with "No News." Other honors soon followed: The band has won many of music’s top honors, including Academy Of Country Music awards for New Vocal Group in 1996, and Single and Song Of The Year in 2000, along with Humanitarian Of The Year in 2002. They also won Country Music Association's Vocal Group of the Year and International Artist Achievement award in 2001. All told, Lonestar have sold more than 10.5 million records since their formation.

Sams and Womack have already started writing new songs together, which has been a hugely positive creative experience. "We jelled very quickly," Sams says. "When something feels comfortable, it really makes the creative process much more enjoyable and fun, and it actually doesn't feel like work. Drew is such a positive person and he fits in with me, Michael and Keech so much. And there's just this newfound energy and life that we haven't had for some time."

And so as Lonestar looks toward a big career milestone—the band is celebrating 30 years in 2022—and the release of TEN to 1, they are full of gratitude for what they've accomplished already, and excited about what the future holds. "People that we used to look up to back in the day—like the Rolling Stones, Boston, and even bands like Alabama—they're older than us," Rainwater says. "We look up to those people as like the senior class. But now we are sort of the senior class that people seem to look up to and ask questions about and ask for our expertise."

Adds Sams: "It's amazing that we're still standing and putting on great shows after all these years. The fans are still coming out to our shows night after night, to see us and hear our music. That's almost 30 years of touring, and I can't tell you how grateful I am—and I've never once taken it for granted."

8/11 Zerbini Family Circus

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 14:52:09 GMT

The Circus is coming! The Circus is coming!

This summer the great Zerbini Family Circus will return to the Historic Springfield Fairgrounds on August 11, 2022. The 172nd Springfield Fair will take place on September 2nd and 3rd of Labor Day Weekend.

Typically there are multiple shows on circus day - this show is appropriate for all ages and fun! Tickets are sold at local retailers as the even draws near but also online at zerbinifamilycircus.com

Who: All are invited!

Where: The Historic Springfield Fairgrounds

91 Park Street, Springfield, Maine

When: August 11th - multiple show times

What: Family Circus, concessions, games, and entertainment

The SFA 2022 Events

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:58:35 GMT

Well – here we are. Freezin’ our collective arses off. I’m burning wood at the same rate I used to drink beer at – one right after the other. Each year the sticks of wood seem to get heavier and my hand/eye coordination doesn’t seem to be as good as in my youth. How many times can you jam your fingers between a junk of wood and the opening to the woodstove? I probably ought to apologize to my neighbors … maybe to anyone within ½ mile of the house. Every time I jam my finger or drop a junk on my slippered toes, I let’er go. Cursin’ a blue streak is something I learned in Patten and have become quite proficient at. Kids – practice does make perfect. I can now swear, quite effectively, in 9 different languages, with a perfect southern drawl or a credible downeast accent. Ayuh.

And it’s only February. How smooth will I be in late March or April. If I’m not wearing my glasses I don’t always get a good look at what I heave into (towards) the stove. As the temp hovers at or below zero my goal is to feed the stove…. (by the way, we have an outdoor wood boiler) as quickly as possible and hustle back into the house. So last week, after a “planning meeting” for the 2022 fair with John and Bruce (Thornton) and a cold beer or two – I skidded to a stop relatively near my path to the wood boiler, I chucked in an axe handle, a knit cap, one glove (the wood stuck to the duct tape on the glove and I didn’t notice it until the glove and piece of wood, landed at the back of the stove/hot ashes), one of my son’s ski boots and the neighbor’s cat (in my defense he sits near the stove for the warmth. Don’t worry, they have 9 lives – or so I’m told. (I’m kidding – geez))

While I’m on the subject of being “tongue in cheek” with my articles – I’ll remind all of you politically correct folk – you may not want to read them. I write like I talk – kinda salty. For me, political correctness is helping to make a mess of our schools and turning our country into something that our founding fathers wood not recognize. Let’s all stop being so damned sensitive. Be kind. Work hard. Be honest. Do your best. And please, if you’re driving by the house – stop by and throw some friggin’ wood in my stove – bring your own wood though.

If you look real close as you drive by the Old Steamboat Road, at around 5-6 pm, you may see me hustlin’ out to fill the stove. I’ll be the guy in the slippers, boxers, one glove and orange Green Bay Packers hat. I see no point dressing up to celebrate another jammed finger. And if you’d like to add audio to the show – roll down your window and listen. I’ll be swearing primarily in Russian this week.

Huh – why do folks accuse me of rambling on and on and on…. ?

So, like I was saying….. we are feverishly planning the 2022 schedule of events. As of this writing, we have the following events scheduled:

June 25th - Demolition Derby
July 2nd - Wedding
July 30th - Wedding
August 6th - we’re trying to finalize a BIG concert
August 11th - Circus
August 27th - Wedding
Sept. 2nd & 3rd - Springfield Fayuh
Sept. 10th – Wedding
Sept. 17th – Wedding

Some of you probably are aware, some may not be aware, some could care less and more than a few are medicating far too much with edibles. But, after 32 years of owning the Springfield Fair – formerly and infamously known as the “Drunkards Reunion”, this will be my and John’s last year as owners. We are pleased to announce that Dustin Gordon and Ashley Laduke are now in the process of learning the ropes. They will be, officially, the new owners of the fair beginning Jan. 1, 2023. They are also the proud owners of another successful, local business – Up In Smoke Auto Recycling .

Dustin and Ashley will be promoting the June 25th demolition derby . As we move closer to black fly and mud seasons, they will be letting everyone know the particulars for the event. Please wish them well and we hope that you support them in every way possible. They are excited, young and ambitious. John and I have had offers from a couple of different potential buyers. None of them were as impressive as Dustin and Ashley. They have a lot of good ideas but also seem to understand the risks. They are local, understand the fair and want to build it back up into a 3-4 day affair – and hoping to get a carnival sometime over the next few years. They will need your support.

For all of our 2022 wedding parties , nothing has changed for your big day. Call me if you have concerns. You can also reach out to John or I with questions on the fair, circus, boat storage or how to be politically incorrect. And if you have a junk car you are looking to sell – call or facebook Dustin or Ashley. It’s nice to see local “kids” finding a way to stay local and be self-supporting. Owning and operating a small business (especially in Maine) is not easy. They seem to be on the right track. So, Dustin & Ashley, Up In Smoke Auto Recycling and the soon to be new owners of the Springfield Fair – go kick some ass. Have fun, work honestly and we’ll all support you.

And if I haven’t told you lately – we are grateful for the endless support from our many sponsors and patrons alike. Without you, we are no better than the

– heh heh, (That’ll get the attention in Western Maine.) Enjoy the rest of your winter. I’ll be back with another long and windy Springfield Fayuh update soon.