Northern Maine Fair
features more ladies than ever
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — From opening day to the finale of the Demolition Derby at the end of this year’s Northern Maine Fair, it was evident that the ladies of The County are taking more interest in the annual event, taking part in activities such as showing cattle and destroying automobiles to displaying their wares and offering demonstrations.
The fair got under way July 23, with fair board members — including several women — gathering before the grandstand to welcome visitors to the 156th annual event. On hand for the opening ceremony were about a dozen visiting queens, including local title holders and those selected during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival. And it was a young lady named Madeline Carson who was selected to sing the U.S. and Canadian national anthems.
While women were well represented in the floral arrangement and cooking contests, the Ladies Pavilion also featured a wide range of talented ladies, from hair stylists to vendors offering a variety of merchandise for sale.
Jean Brawn, owner of Oasis Salon of Presque Isle, said it was her first time having a booth at the fair.
“I gave it some thought and decided it was an opportunity to meet new people and show them what I do,” said Brawn.
With Brawn serving as model was Jessica Landry, of Presque Isle. Landry said she didn’t mind serving in that capacity, since it helped promote the business.
“It’s fun. I just sit here and Jean does the rest,” said Landry, as Brawn worked on weaving colorful fibers in Landry’s tresses.
Adrienne Michaud, of Caribou, owner of A Gift of Love Books, brought a selection of children’s books that can be personalized to exhibit, hoping to pick up some business for the upcoming holidays.
“They’re unique storybooks that include a child’s name, as well as up to three of their friends’ names,” said Michaud. “They make great gifts — gifts they’ll cherish because they’re unique to them. No two are printed alike.”
Also displaying merchandise was Linda Fortin of Caribou, owner of Linda’s Unique Treasures Alabaster Art. From eagles and wolves, to bears, deer and dolphins, there was a creature to fit almost any interest.
“People have favorite animals, that’s why I carry such a selection,” said Fortin.
For information on any of these ladies and their businesses, contact: Brawn at 540-1480, Michaud at 498-8201 or Fortin at 492-1789.
For some women, the fair served as a social outlet — a time to have fun with friends. That was the case for three Presque Isle natives.
Marcella Norton, Dolores Pelkey and Sue Nickerson took time to enjoy a bite to eat on Saturday, Aug. 7, sampling French fries in the shade of the dining tent. All agreed the French fries were their food of choice when eating at the fair.
“I can’t complain about the food. My favorite’s the French fries,” said Sue Nickerson, widow of longtime fair board member Ed Nickerson. “It brings back memories of Ed.”
Nickerson said taking part in the fair this year was difficult but something she felt her husband would have wanted her to do.
“It’s been hard. He used to call BINGO. Now I’m calling it this year,” said Nickerson.
Saturday evening’s festivities drew to a close with yet another young lady making a name for herself in the world of demolition.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Abar, of Wade, took top honors at this year’s Demolition Derby, defeating about a dozen male competitors to take home the title of derby winner. This reportedly marks the first time in fair history that a woman’s achieved the win — proving the fair isn’t just for the guys.
Staff photos by Kathy McCarty
AREA BEAUTY QUEENS were on hand for the Northern Maine Fair Association's opening ceremony July 23 in Presque Isle. Pictured from left are 2010 title holders: Miss Presque Isle Kori Kinney; Maine Potato Queen Brittni Mosher; Little Miss Presque Isle Taylor Skidgell; Teen Miss Mars Hill Whitney Klein; Miss Teen Northern Maine Megan Byers; Little Miss Eastern Maine Molly Kingsbury; Junior Miss Potato Queen Elena Ford; Little Miss Potato Queen Amber Moir; Junior Miss Mapleton Hannah Guerrette; Teen Miss Potato Queen Michaela Powers; Miss Pre-Teen Presque Isle Yessinia Vilar; Little Miss Mapleton Elizabeth Collins; and serving as emcee, Fred Parsons.
HELPING TO COOL fairgoers at this year's event were Sophia and Maddasin Willette, who served crushed ice creations much to the pleasure of waiting customers.
FRENCH FRIES were the favored food for these three Presque Isle friends. Enjoying a girls' night out were, from left: Marcella Norton, Dolores Pelkey and Sue Nickerson.
ADRIENNE MICHAUD, owner of A Gift of Love Books in Caribou, shows one of the more popular titles available.
DEMONSTRATIONS were one way businesses showed what they had to offer, as pictured here with Jessica Landry sitting while Jean Brawn, owner of Oasis Salon in Presque Isle, weaves colored fibers into her hair.
