Sparkling sunshine for seven of its eight days made this year’s Fryeburg Fair the third best on record in the event’s 156-year history.
     Early rain on the opening Sunday gave way to warm and sunny days and yielded a record attendance day on Tuesday, Senior Citizen’s Day. Barry Emery, ticket superintendent for 31 years, reported a total daily paid attendance of 187,608.
     Tuesday’s gate totaled 17,014, exceeding the record of 15,496 set in 2000. Emery estimated that there were also at least that many senior citizens attending.
     “We don’t count the seniors that day but judging from the tremendous crowd on the midway, I’d say we had at least as many seniors as we did people buying tickets,” Emery said, noting that children under 12 are admitted free all week.
     Attendance for the week saw 16,653 on opening Sunday (record 29,995 in 2001); 22,818 on Monday, Woodsmen’s Day (record 26,017 in 2004); 17,014 on Tuesday, (old record 15,496 in 2000); 16,716 on Wednesday (record 20,125 in 2001); 18,999 on Thursday (record 19,764 in 2001; 27,652 on Friday (record 30,396 in 2004); 42,517 on Saturday (record 46,834 in 2001); and 25,011 on the final Sunday (record 27,652 in 2000).
     The best year came in 2004 when nearly 200,000 people bought tickets to the fair. The second best was in 2001, which had a daily paid attendance of 189,235. There were 184,983 in 2000 and 184,533 in 2002. Fair officials double the daily paid figure to come up with an estimate of the total number people attending the fair.
     This marks the final year that David R. Hastings II of Fryeburg will preside over the Blue Ribbon Classic. Elected in 2002, the local attorney with more than 50 years of leadership at the fair said he will not seek re-election.
     “I hope this year’s fair is a precursor of the next 50 years,” Hastings said Monday as concessionaires, carnies and campers departed the 185-acre grounds.
Camping Superintendent Glenn Chute, who oversees the fair’s 3,000 sites said there were “a few less” staying this year.
     “Overall, we were about the same but a lot of people didn’t stay for as many days,” Chute said. “But judging from the reservations that have been coming in this morning, I’d say we’ve got a good start on next year. Chute estimate that more than 1,000 campers reserved their spots for the 2007 fair, which will run from Sept. 30-Oct. 7.
     Harness racing has a strong week, posting a total handle of $$852,970. The amount bet over six days of pari-mutuel racing in 2004 was $923,753. Last year was down considerably because of the rain-cancelled Saturday racing and continued showers on Sunday.
     For the first time ever, the Overall Supreme Dairy Champion went to a farmer located in one of the 22 towns within the West Oxford Agricultural Society. Julie and Justin Hussey of North Conway, NH had their Brown Swiss, Vicki, were chosen from among 365 cows competing during the week.
     Livestock Supt. George Weston said it was particularly significant because Justin Hussey is the grandson of Finance Committee member Dr. Eugene Hussey, who died shortly before the fair. Dr. Hussey had more than 50 years invested in the fair’s leadership.