Houlton gears up for agricultural fair Event hails town’s coming bicentennial, promises rib-cooking contest

HOULTON – Two hundred years ago, when the town was founded, there was no Houlton Agricultural Fair.

Now, on the eve of the town’s bicentennial, the organizers of the fair are hoping to make up for what was lacking 200 years ago.

This year’s fair is slated to be bigger and better than ever, Paul Cleary, the president of the fair’s board, said Tuesday.

It will run July 4-8. The midway will be provided by Smokey’s Greater Shows.

The customary events that draw big crowds to the fair – including the various cooking contests, kids’ events, exhibits and the Demolition Derby – will continue this year.

This year’s fair also is jampacked with musical events, from karaoke to band concerts.

Other events this year include the inaugural “Rib Fest,” Mud Runs, a High Flying BMX Bike Show and a Monster Truck Tricks and Madness show.

During the Rib Fest, 10 contestants will vie for the title of rib-cooking champion. Cleary said each contestant will cook 50 pounds of ribs, which will be available to fair-goers throughout the day on Saturday, July 7.

On the Fourth of July, the fair will feature the largest fireworks display north of Portland.

“The fireworks are going to be great,” Cleary said. “We have almost doubled what we spent on fireworks this year.”

To celebrate Houlton’s 200th birthday and to laud the 20th anniversary of the fair being a licensed state of Maine fair, the board will be giving away 200 bicycles on July 6 to kids 12 and under. The giveaway will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will continue every 20 minutes.

The bicycles have been donated by local businesses, organizations and residents.

During the four-day fete, the fair will be showing off a 2007 Puma Travel Trailer that it plans to raffle off during the bicentennial celebration in August.

The 30-foot-long camper sleeps eight people, according to Cleary, and only 2,000 tickets will be sold. Tickets for the camper are $20, and proceeds will benefit the new Houlton Fair Grounds.

Cleary said other board members are excited about this year’s event.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said Tuesday.

Tickets are $9 per person, which includes admission, all entertainment and rides. For more information, visit the fair’s home page at www.houltonfair.com