New building ready for North Stonington Fair
The North Stonington Agricultural Fair is quickly approaching, set this year for July 9 – 12. A beloved tradition in the Nutmeg State, this year the fair will feature something new and big – a covered area for pulls and showing.
“Everyone seems very excited for it,” said Fair Board Member Jody Whipple. “It keeps animals under cover if it’s hot, or out of the rain. It will predominantly be used for livestock pulls (as well as the kids’ pedal tractor pulls). It could also be used for shows.”
No small undertaking, the building was donated by Allen Rainville Sr., in honor of both himself and his late father, Eugene Rainville Sr., of Valley Hill Farm in Norwich, CT. Allen, who is now an octogenarian, has been participating in ox pulling for nearly 60 years. He is also a retired dairy farmer.
“He is a big supporter of agriculture and farming and continuing traditions,” Whipple said.
The new building is 60-by-148 feet with a bleacher area 96 feet in length that’s covered as well. It was built by Outback Exterior and New Holland Supply from Lancaster, PA.
“This is the first and only covered fair building like this in Connecticut,” Whipple noted. “The town was very receptive [to its construction].”
The North Stonington Fair takes place on Grange property, where the new building was erected. The New London County 4-H Fair will also utilize building for their events.
“We anticipate this building being used and enjoyed by our community for generations to come,” Whipple said.
If you want to visit the fair and see it yourself, see this year’s schedule and more at northstoningtonfair.org.
by Courtney Llewellyn
