This colorful Ferris wheel was seen lighting up the night for the entire Labor Day weekend.
Woodstock- Musical acts at the Woodstock Fair attracted thousands of people from nearby areas. Event goers got to enjoy performances by Craig Wayne Boyd, Belinda Carlisle, and others.
The month of September is always a bustling time of year for Northeastern Connecticut. This year’s Labor Day weekend marked the 155th anniversary of the Woodstock Fair. Every year, event planners make an effort to book some quality talent to perform on the main stage. Past years have seen performers such as Foghat and Weird Al Yankovic. This year was no different as Craig Wayne Boyd was the headlining act for Friday night and Belinda Carlisle headlined Sunday.
Craig Wayne Boyd was a season winner for the hit television show “The Voice”. However, not everybody knew who he was. That didn’t stop people from seeing him because of the relaxed atmosphere of the fair. A college student named Jeff Sirard said, “I plan on seeing the show after I eat some food.” His upbeat tempo attracted people from all over the fair as many of the seats in the stands were filled and so was the lawn in front of the stage. A couple named Judy and Bob went as far as to say, “He’s why we are here tonight.” Afterwards, audience members were able to attend a meet and greet. They were able to get autographs and pictures taken with the performers of the band.
Hotel California was the tribute band to the Eagles that played as the opener for Belinda Carlisle on Sunday. They played from 6:00 pm to 8 pm before she went on stage. Belinda Carlisle is known for her work as the lead singer of the Go-Go’s. She performed songs from her solo career to close out the night.
There were many other attractions for people to enjoy at the fair. The Agricultural Center hosted contests for topics such as who had the best flower arrangements or who could grow the largest pumpkin. Curt Sirrine is a longtime fair-goer and said, “I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager.” He won the blue ribbon for various flower arrangements.
Families were able to enjoy seeing the different animals that were present as well. Barns were filled with cattle, pigs, and various other livestock. Some animals were for sale such as rabbits and chickens. The llamas and sheep were located at the Birthing Center where Woodstock Academy students film an annual live birth of a cow.
Of course, a country fair has to have rides. Rides such as Arctic Blast and the Thunderbolt made their annual appearance situated near the ferris wheel. Families with younger children had miniature versions of the rides located North of the larger rides area.
The Woodstock Fair came to a close on Monday night. It is expected to be just as busy as it has for the past 155 years. A man named Tyler Luppi gave the reasoning as, “It is the one time of the year when people come out to see the culture of this town”.
-Kevin Fenstermacher
Families enjoyed performances by the magician David Garrity during all four days of the fair.
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