Community Fair "Betty Lou", a 1951 Ford Victoria, gets admiring looks from Mia, Dylan, Shawna and Ron Henry, of New Gloucester, at the 7th Annual New Gloucester Community Fair on Saturday at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds. (Photo Nathan Tsukroff)

The smell of fried dough, hot dogs and onions, to name a few, permeated the area and anyone driving by was unable to resist the temptation. Once inside the park, there was something for everyone. Shiny and colorfully painted cars filled one end of the field. According to Joe Murray of the Lion's Club, 98 cars registered and competed for 17 categories, including "Best of Show." Children ran from game to game, while adults checked out the crafter's tent. There was a rock-climbing wall and a bungee-jumping apparatus with a trampoline underneath. A horse-drawn wagon circled the area as hundreds enjoyed the sold-out chicken BBQ. There was even a tractor, pulling children in 50 gallon barrels converted into brightly painted train cars.

Saturday's theme was "Safety Day" and the day was filled with fire exhibitions, demonstrations and a blood drive. The afternoon's attraction was Cow Patty Bingo, where, according to Scott Doyle, fair chair, the cow "picked her square at 3:36 p.m." The evening sky was aglow with fireworks and a bonfire set the scene for Michal Fralich's amazing story telling.

Sunday's theme was Big Boys and Toys with boys (and girls) of all ages treated to seeing remote control helicopters and planes as well as heavy construction equipment on display. By day's end on Sunday, nearly 4,000 people had entered the grounds where numerous non-profit organizations benefited from this glorious weekend.