Ayer’s Cliff Fair another great success

If attendance didn't break records it came very close. With warm sun and a cooling breeze all weekend, organizers were sighing with relief as shadows lengthened Sunday afternoon and exhibitors began the task of packing and preparing to head for home.

"We were headed towards 24,000 by late afternoon Sunday," Angus Mckinnon surmised. "That's not quite a record but it's close, and the crowd for the truck pulling is just beginning to come in," he added.

With record entries in many sections, some categories even requiring extra accommodation, so many things to do and see, improvements in the kiddies' korner, judging in the arena and outside either in the showering or in front of the grandstand, heavy horse hitches, sometimes as many as six hitched together, sometimes, three in a row, a pony masquerade and the largest number of miniature horses ever seen at this fair plus a midway that catered to tiny tots as well as the speed and thrills teenagers seem to love with a giant Ferris wheel where, from the topmost spot more sedate riders could almost see over the mountain tops to towns and villages miles away, it was a fun and information filled weekend.

Race day with it's special inauguration of the Ayer's Cliff harness Race notable Hall of Fame must have interested a lot of people. Our receipts were over the top, we had a record crowd of bettors and race fans. It's been a great Race Day," said Peter Mcharg, heading up the Race Day Committee. "The weather was perfect and the track in excellent condition - couldn't have asked for more," he concluded.

Fletcher Juby, president this year was already well pleased by Friday evening. "I only have good things to say this year. The team and volunteers were great, and, although Friday seemed a smaller crowd, attendance records showed normal numbers. Thank you seems so inadequate when our success depends on support from so may people, directors sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and especially the thousands who come to the fair."

"Now, with a committee already formed to plan for our 175th Anniversary in three years, we've begun raising funds. One dollar from every registration this year will be earmarked for that anniversary. And with all record entries in several categories, we've got a good start toward that project," Angus Mckinnon, past president and director was pleased to announce.