WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Lancaster Fair Kicks Off

Lancaster Fair Kicks Off

Lancaster, New Hampshire - September 4, 2009

The Lancaster Fair has it all; the games, the cotton candy, and of course, the rides.

"They are probably going to be super fun," said Aidan Harty, 6. "I think I know what the rides are going to be like. This is just like another fair I went to. The April fair. I think that is what it was called and it was fun."

This fair may be similar to others across the region, however there is one thing that sets it apart from all the rest-- in its 139th year the Lancaster fair is the oldest in the state of New Hampshire.

Some of that history is on display-- an attraction for those who make a special stop at this fair every year.

"The old pictures are great because you get to see what the fair was like when it started," said Holly Conkey, of Dorchester, N.H.

The fair was started by farmers in both Vermont and New Hampshire to show off their livestock. Today it's grown, but animals remain the focus.

"Love horses. It is the only class A horse show up here. My father actually grew up showing sheep here. And my entire family has probably been competing here for 30 years," said Nicole Larsen of New Jersey.

Though there are some new features, like a sunflower growing competition. A Vermonter and his son took the two top prizes.

"I've been coming here for 67 years come Monday. Every year I have been to the fair so it is a tradition," said Bernard Labounty of Lunenburg, Vt.

"It's really a Vermont fair as well as a New Hampshire event," said Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vermont.

Both Gov. Douglas and New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch toured the fairgrounds Friday afternoon.

"It is great to see so many Vermont exhibits; commercial, agricultural," Douglas said.

And what's a fair without a little classic fair fun?

"Like the balloon game," Harty said. "That is going to be fun. So I can win a stuffed animal. Anyone can pop a balloon. Zeesh! Everyone can do it. Even if they miss the thing is just going to slide down and pop one. So it is impossible to lose."

A positive attitude shared by North Country residents from two states who keep coming back year after year.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News