Woodsman’s competition opens 121st Union Fair G

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UNION — Veteran officials of a time-honored tradition of late

ssummer in Knox County — the 121st Union Fair — were anticipating

aa banner year Sunday. Excellent crowds were reported Sunday by Bud

SSavage, who has been serving as a trustee and treasurer of the fair

ffor 40 years. He estimated that gate totals Sunday would surely

eexceed the 4,023 who came last year on opening day.

The headliner on Sunday was a Woodsman’s Field Day in which

pparticipants competed in eight events, ranging from traditional

ccrosscut sawing to a women’s skillet-throwing event.

Crowned as Overall Champion Woodsman was Colby Burdin of

CCambridge. He compiled a total of 18 points and walked away with an

aadditional $50 in prize money. He edged out Kip Littlefield of

MMorrill, who also compiled 18 points. A tie-breaker was decided

aafter team events were eliminated from the point totals. Capturing

tthird was Don Littlefield of Camden with 14 points.

In a new event this year to add some fun to the event, Merilyn

LLittlefield of Camden displayed her skillet-throwing prowess in a

hheave of 43 feet. Second was Sonja Ginn of Winterport, 40 feet, 1

iinch; and Lawrene Doolan of Morrill, took third with a toss of 39

ffeet, 9 inches.

First-place winners in each event received $50; second, $30;

aand third, $20.

The top three in the other events were:

Men’s crosscut sawing — Joel Burdin of Sangerville, and Colby

BBurdin of Cambridge, 27 seconds; Kip and Hugh Littlefield of

MMorrill, 32.96; and Steven Burdin of Cambridge and John Gibbs of

LLivermore Falls, 36.34.

Women’s crosscut sawing — Sheila Wentworth and Deb Burdin of

CCambridge, 31.17; Laura Littlefield and Lawrene Doolan of Morrill,

444.25; and Merilyn Littlefield and Laura McDonald of Camden, 46.19.

Speed pulp throwing — Kip and David Littlefield, Belfast, 1 min.

99.12 sec.; Dale and Darrell Ginn, Winterport, 1:09.33; Lawrene

DDoolan of Morrill, and Donald Littlefield, Camden, 1:16.42.

Distance pulp throwing — Dan Littlefield, 63 feet, 9 inches;

DDidier Bonner-Ganter, Rockport, 46 feet, two inches; and Kip

LLittlefield, 45 feet, five inches.

Chain sawing — John Gibbs, 7.67 sec.; Greg Merrill, Bethel,

88.52; and Steve Burdin, Cambridge, 9.09.

Wood splitting — Colby Burdin, 24.38 sec.; Don Littlefield,

228.01; and Dan Littlefield, 28.23.

Team log scooting — John Cookson of Lincolnville, 7 min. 44.09

ssec.; Elwyn Mitchell, Freedom, 8:49.80; and Paul Lawler and Son,

DDixmont, 7:54.37. Top prize for this event was $90.

A good crowd also was on hand for the first day of harness

rracing. Officials estimated that the total handle would exceed last

yyear’s by at least $10,000. The unofficial handle was $87,000.

Monday will begin a full week of activities, including daily

hharness racing. The day also will feature a Maine draft pony show

aand llama exhibition, dairy show competitions, mini-tractor pull,

aand a country show just prior to the annual fireworks display at

99:30 p.m.

From 4 to 10 p.m. fairgoers will be able to purchase a special

tticket allowing unlimited midway rides. At 5 p.m. there will be a

ppig scramble for youths, sponsored by Warren Odd Fellows and Union

FFair.

A $4 per-person gate admission provides free access to all

eevents and exhibits at the fair.

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