Backyard Circus returns to Bangor State Fair

BANGOR – It’s 1:30 p.m. at the Bangor State Fair. Do you know where your children are?

They could be getting shot out of a cannon or put to work as a clown as part of the Backyard Circus, an audience-inspired event featured at this year’s state fair, to be held today through Aug. 8 at Bass Park.

Kids will be plucked from the Backyard Circus audience three times a day to dress up as animals, lion tamers and other circus characters to act out a pint-sized carnival show.

In its return to the fair after several years, the popular Backyard Circus likely will attract members of the pre-adolescent age group, far less susceptible to embarrassment than their older counterparts, said Mike Dyer, Bass Park director.

“At some level with kids, they wouldn’t be caught dead doing stuff like that,” Dyer said Thursday.

Local media representatives were given a preview of all the fair attractions Thursday.

A demolition derby at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, might capture the attention of the teenage crowd, as well as the Raging Rapids Flume Ride, one of 37 mechanical rides to be featured at the fair.

“We’ll spin everybody every which way that gravity will allow us,” E.J. Dean of Fiesta Shows said during the press conference.

Fiesta Shows operates all of the games and rides on the carnival midway.

While the kids are playing, parents can catch an outdoor show by tribute bands Tequila Sunrise, performing at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 31, in honor of the Eagles, and The Return, singing hits by the Beatles at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1. Both shows are free with paid admission.

“It’s family time,” City Councilor Gerry Palmer said at the press conference. “There’s a lot of meat in this year’s program.”

Organizers expect roughly 65,000 people to attend this year’s fair, Dyer said.

Daily attractions will include the Birdman of Las Vegas, the Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders, a firefighters muster, the Human Mannequin and a petting zoo.

Families of Maine Army National Guard soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will gather at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the auditorium for “Freedom Salute,” a homecoming celebration for more than 200 soldiers who have returned home since April.

“We are hoping for the community to come out and say thanks,” Lt. Col. Dan Barteaux said Thursday. “We think it’s hugely important to honor these soldiers.”

Holding the Freedom Salute during the fair hearkens back to the days when the state fair served as a celebration of the local community, Dyer said.

“It really goes back to the root traditions and reasons for country fairs,” he said Thursday.

The fair officially opens at 6 p.m. today, with a regular admission price of $6, but a “Sneak a Peek” opening with $1 admission will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Mechanical rides will cost $1 during those hours.

Monday, Aug. 2, will be Young at Heart Day, with $1 admission for people 60 and older.

Wristband days will be held Aug. 3, 4 and 5. An unlimited ride wristband will cost $12 after paid admission on those three days.

For information, visit www.bangorstatefair.com.