The 169th year of the Franklin County Fair has ended. Thinking back to my childhood, it was wonderful to attend the fair. Me, my parents and my brother Edward lived on Meridian Street in Greenfield, so all we had to do was walk up Petty Plain Road to reach the fairgrounds.
While many things remain the same about the Franklin County Fair, there are a few things that no longer occur. There used to be harness racing, Vaudeville and high trapeze acts. There was an auto show, and kids got a day off from school to attend the high school track meets and cheering contests that took place there.
If I remember right, we got off the Wednesday either of the fair or right before the fair — I don’t remember if the fair started on Wednesday or Thursday, like it does now.
Students from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls, Turners Falls High School and Greenfield High School filled the older Grandstand with their school colors of red and white, blue and white and green and white.
I can remember the Elmer brothers and Louis Clough being in the track meet representing Greenfield. My brother Edward was a cheerleader, graduating in the Class of 1940. What fun that must have been to compete like that.
I believe at one time, there was a drum corps competition. There are still horse pulling and oxen pulling traditions carrying on, like they have for many years, but most of the other ones I mention are long gone.
The Roundhouse was always a favorite and I congratulate Kathleen Halberg for her years of dedication to making it a beautiful place to be each and every year.
I went to the fair with my mom and dad for many years when I was young, but then I started going with friends when I was in high school, including my future wife and her sister. I loved the Ferris wheel and the bumper cars. Kids still get to enjoy them.
Then, throughout the years, I’d go up every year. Many times, me, my daughter and my granddaughter would enter something in the Roundhouse. I won with my roses.
When I retired, I cooked for the Lions Club. I loved to cook the onions and peppers. I’d go home all weekend smelling like them, but it was a good odor that still reminds me of the fair.
I haven’t been in about three years — I’m 90 years old and have a hard time getting around — but the memories are still there.
I have always loved going to see people I haven’t seen in a while, but over the past few years, I saw less and less of them. Many have passed. There’s a sadness that goes with that, but also a happiness because of all the fond memories.
I have always appreciated the many people and volunteers who have made and still make the Franklin County Fair one of the best fairs in the country every single year.