GREENFIELD — An estimated 25,000 guests passed through the gates of the Franklin County Fairgrounds between Thursday and Sunday, eager to see both the new attractions and traditional favorites that the 173rd fair had in store for them.
The high attendance was exactly as anticipated, despite the road closure on Wisdom Way that led to detours, the high temperatures on Saturday and the light rain on Sunday, according to Franklin County Fair President Michael Nelson. Attendees enjoyed the return of eating contests, a new thrill show offered by the Black Cat Hell Drivers and some of the more traditional agricultural attractions, such as harvest displays and horse pulling contests.
The fair was slightly different than in previous years, with no poultry being shown due to concerns about avian influenza. However, a large display of painted and stuffed birds was offered instead.
“They lifted the ban in July, but we didn’t want to put any birds in jeopardy,” noted Franklin County Fair Vice President Russ Cross.
Also added to the schedule of events was a thrill show by the Black Cat Hell Drivers. Nelson explained there was a popular thrill show led by Joie Chitwood during the 1980s and 1990s that people had loved, so fair organizers opted to bring in a new group of daredevils. The drivers drove up ramps, through fire and reached high speeds, exciting the people in the grandstand.
“We are glad we came to watch it,” commented Greenfield resident Ben Whitbeck.
“It was exciting,” his 6-year-old son Dylan agreed.
When attendees are asked what their favorite part of the fair is, the most common answer is the food. Hager’s Farm Market is part of the reason, having sold fried dough with maple cream at the event for nearly 25 years.
“We are here because people enjoy it,” commented Kim Stevens, fifth-generation owner of Hager’s Farm Market. “Selling dough at the fair is a nice change of pace from the market.”
Along with fried dough comes the eating contest. The contest came back in full swing this year, after being canceled in 2021 as a COVID-19 health safety precaution. The contests involved hot dogs or fried dough.
Winner of the children’s friend dough eating contest for ages 12 and under, Isaia Moran of Granville, explained he folded the large piece of fried dough he was given like a burrito and chowed down.
“My stomach feels like I’m going to throw up,” he said following his victory, which earned him $100, “but it’s OK because I won.”
Outside the fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, activities took on a more serious note. A group of animal rights activists with the Western Massachusetts Animal Rights Advocates protested.
“We are not protesting the fair,” noted Cheryl Hopkins, a Colrain resident and one of the protest’s organizers. “We are protesting animal exploitation on the grounds.”
Their main concern was the pig races. Protesters claimed the long transport of piglets is harmful, and the pigs’ owners have been known to use food deprivation, beatings and shocking. They also objected to the oxen and horse pulling events.
“I can’t tell you how the animals were treated off the grounds, but on the grounds they were treated with the utmost respect,” Nelson contended in response.
An American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance also transported one of Saturday’s demolition derby drivers, Jesse Class of Vernon, Vermont, to the hospital for evaluation following a particularly hard collision. Class earned second place in the heat for SUVs and pickup trucks.
While the Franklin County Fair has many attractions not seen at other fairs across Massachusetts, at its heart, it’s an agricultural fair run by the Franklin County Agricultural Society. The Roundhouse was filled with submissions of crafts, honey, produce, flowers and more.
One notable contest was the table setting contest. The theme, the queen’s platinum jubilee, was planned months ago, but took on new significance given the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Normally, four people submit settings, but this year eight were submitted. Catherine Halberg, superintendent of the Roundhouse, won with her table setting that included cookies, a flower arrangement and a British teapot. Halberg has been setting up the Roundhouse with her mother for 30 years, overseeing all the placements and displays.
One of the fan-favorite displays includes handmade quilts. Turners Falls resident Nancy Selover has had two of her quilts displayed at the fair.
“I didn’t win anything, but I was so proud to have it on display,” Selover said. “The Roundhouse is my favorite part of the fair.”
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.