New attractions, events, prizes on tap

Fair holds traditions and excitement, but also is main source of revenue for the town’s Fire and EMS services.

BRIDGEWATER » Fair Fever has begun among local residents of Bridgewater. They are already starting to get excited and generate buzz for the 66th Annual Bridgewater Country Fair on August 18 to 20.

This year, there are more events, more music, more attractions, more shopping, new additions, new foods and many surprises.

Hosted by the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, one of the only selffunded fire departments in the state, this fair not only holds traditions, excitement, and entertainment, but is the main source of revenue for the Fire and EMS services for the town and surrounding mutual aid support calls.

This year’s raffle features increased prize values and some amazing prizes, for $10 a ticket.

Prizes inclue:

• First Prize: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport Willy’s Edition with Tow / Winch packages.

• Second Prize: 2017 John Deere 590i XUV with Winch and Lots of Upgrades.

• Third Prize: $5,000 Visa Gift Card Package

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department. You do not need to be present for the drawing to win

On the Bandstand, J.R. Waters returns with his acoustic guitar Friday, 8 PM; Saturday features Flashback, 2:30 PM; Joe West and Creative Force, 5:00 PM; Big Shot, the best Billy Joel Tribute Band at 8:00 PM; Sunday Mad Hatter Chorus, 1:00 PM; Alex Shillo 3:00 PM.

Friday night ride bracelets return from 6-10 PM. only. Throughout the fairgrounds there will be Tractor Mac Shows, Racing Pigs, The Human Cannonball, Dock Diving Dogs, Border Collie Demos, Skillet Toss, Pie Eating and Hay Bale throwing contests, as well as Antique Tractor, Garden tractor, Ox and Pony pulls.

There are poultry, sheep, rabbit and cavy, dairy, beef, and horse exhibits. art, photography, needlework, baking, vegetable and fruit, canning, eggs and hobbies are all located near the fire- house. The New Milford Lions Club will be offering their Pediatric Eye Screening for children ages 2-6.

New this year is a Singles Night.

This is something we have not seen before at a country fair but it makes sense. With online dating at its high point, this brings people together to create a dating scene that is unique, fun, and a little bit nostalgic.

People will meet and greet in a designated area for an additional fee of $15. There they will receive: a free drink ticket; passed apps; Games; social activities; exclusive seating in the concert area; exclusive events calendar and more.

Meet someone, grab a beer or glass of wine, walk around, go on the Ferris Wheel, enter the hay bale tossing contest, have a roast beef sandwich, check out the livestock, play an amusement game, and end with an awesome concert and maybe a beer or cigar. It actually sounds brilliant.

Keep up-to-date on details at www.BridgewaterFair.com or Facebook.com/BridgewaterCountryFair.

Kick off the weekend with the Annual Bridgewater Fireman’s Parade. Opening ceremonies and the parade begin at 6:30 pm Friday evening, August 18.

Gates open Friday 4-11 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 11 PM, Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM.

Admission is $8. for adults and $6 for Seniors. Children 12 and under are free.