A new round of young farmers will exhibit animals at the Oxford County Fair in Oxford this week. Michaela Brown shows her winning entry at the 2022 4-H Heavyweight Steer Exhibition. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat
OXFORD — The Oxford County Agricultural Society has wrapped up its finishing touches for this week’s Oxford County Fair.
The fair opens Wednesday at 10 a.m. with oxen demonstrations, the Junior Fireman’s Muster and a 4-H horse show. The latter will be in one of two new outdoor rings added this year.
Wednesday is also Education Day, with activities and exhibits from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. geared toward engaging children up to sixth grade on the importance of local agriculture. Admission for children and chaperones is free until 1:30 p.m.
Piglets rest at the 2021 Oxford County Fair in Oxford. Nicole Carter/Advertiser Democrat
Local races and competitions are always big attractions. Last year, the fair introduced lawnmower racing, which returns by popular demand. Demolition derbies will be held two nights. Friday will feature the ladies, minivan and run-whatcha-brung derbies. Saturday brings the 4-cylinder and the full-size demolition derbies. All events are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. both nights. Prize are $100-$1,500, depending on the event.
Live music is central to the fair. The London-based country band Grand Prairie will perform Friday starting at 5 p.m. Saturday’s headliner is Motor Booty Affair, a well-known disco performance party. Motor Booty Affair starts playing at 7 p.m., with other local bands, including country artists 12/OC and Pearl Jam/Foo Fighters tribute band Yellow LedVedder, also performing.
Floyd Thayer of Oxford, who serves as president of the fair’s board of directors, said admission and parking fees will vary by day. On Wednesday the gate fee is $2/person for nonschool visitors. On Thursday for people ages 6 and older it will be $5, Friday it will be $8, and on Saturday $10 per person. Parking on fairgrounds Wednesday will be $2; Thursday and Friday $5; and Saturday $10.
Amusement rides will be $2 per ride Wednesday. Weekdays, the rides will open at 3 p.m. Bracelet nights are Wednesday ($20/person) and Thursday ($25/person). On Saturday Smokey’s opens at noon and will be pay-per-ride.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
