Kids, go find those frogs, and babies, put on those racing diapers. Grown-ups, rev up that tractor, dust off those boots, and guys – quit shaving those whiskers ‘cause the 16th Annual Rochester County Fair is back and it is just as Rochestery as ever.
Rochester is home to some of the most scenic byways of Southeastern Massachusetts with its acres of sprawling farms, wildflower fields, and canopies of towering trees. But this rural setting, with its historic legacy of pioneers, hardworking farmers, and grandmas in overalls will switch from picturesque pastoral to badass bucolic when the Country Fair comes to town from August 13 to 15 – and everyone knows it’s not the size of the tractor that matters; it’s how far it can pull the sled that counts.
By this time in the year, some of us just find ourselves craving the familiar ol’ olfactory euphoria caused when the smells of deep fried food, diesel smoke, and livestock combine. And if you are gonna stand around swatting at horseflies, what better way to do it than by watching cow chip bingo to the sounds of revving tractors with a grilled sausage in one hand and an ice cold beer in the other? Oh yeah, that’s right! This year, for the first time, you can come to the Rochester Country Fair – and drink beer.
But beer isn’t all that’s new to the Country Fair this year. On Thursday, August 13 at 6:15 pm, Boston Faneuil Hall Magician & Juggler Robert Clarke, the “one-man sideshow that fits into a suitcase,” will be throwing a bunch of things all at once and catching them in an entertaining and hilarious manner, and aweing the crowds with magic tricks that will have us cow-chipping our pants.
On Friday, August 14, 16-year-old Marion guitarist Aaron Norcross will perform with his band Aaron Norcross Jr. & the Old Dogs from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. He will likely be armed with a full arsenal of gorgeous guitars. Norcross is all about the blues and rockabilly, and he’s been playing the guitar since 2006.
Also new to the fair this year, at 7:00 pm starts the year’s Professional Wrestling featuring a Midget Match, along with returning Gary Eleniefsky of Rochester and regional wrestlers and ladies match.
On Saturday, August 15 starting at 3:00 pm, the Country Fair introduces the New London County Tractor Pullers, featuring the Limited Modified (4,300 lb., 4,600 lb.), the Limited Enhanced Modified (6,500 lb., 6,800 lb.), the Pro Modified (6,700 lb., 7,000 lb.), and for the big boys and girls, the Pro Enhanced Modified (8,700 lb., 9,000 lb.) That’s a lot of weight and a lot of noise.
For this year’s headlining band, the Country Fair is proud to present Vyntyge Skynyrd live, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band hitting the main arena at 7:00 pm.
This year’s theme is “prehistoric,” and there will be activities for the kids such as a dinosaur dig, children’s Bam Bam strong man contest, diaper derby, and a costume contest. There will also be a “prehistoric” photo contest, where participants will submit their old photographs. Personal drawings can also be submitted and will be judged in a separate category.
And then there is the parade. This year’s parade was the parade that almost didn’t happen, due to progressively poor attendance and participation over the years. The Country Fair Committee suggested canceling the parade this year, but reconsidered after the public response was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the tradition alive. The parade, which starts at 9:30 am on Sunday, August 16, and begins and ends at Rochester Memorial School, will also be celebrating the fair’s prehistoric theme, with floats and participants dressed up in costume.
All the favorites will return this year again: the mechanical bull and zip line rides; children’s races, including frogs and babies; lawn mower races; the woodsman competition; and lots of tractor pulling.
See you there, smile for the camera, and don’t forget to read The Wanderer – you might be in it!
By Jean Perry
