Rain dampened the Gorham Family Fair Saturday and the fireworks were postponed to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, at Narragansett Field.

A mist began falling during the parade at noon, but Recreation Director Cindy Hazelton said a crowd stayed at the fair until about 4 p.m. Earlier in the day, Hazelton was hopeful when she checked the weather radar. “I thought we were going to get a break,” she said.

She said all the entertainment was completed in spite of the rain. But organizers had to string Christmas lights under a tent for the Common Ground Band after inclement weather forced them to vacate the gazebo.

Hazelton said a “big crowd” attended the canine demonstration by Gorham Police Officer Sears Edwards and his 3-year-old German shepherd, Scout. In addition, the “Teens and Tweens” activities in the afternoon were well attended.

The rain didn’t drive away Dale Edwards, a freshman. “The karaoke was a pretty good time,” he said when asked about his favorite fair event.

Shortly before 7 p.m., the fire department, which hosted the chicken barbecue, had sold about 265 meals to adults and another 30 to kids. The meal included corn on the cob, chicken and two salads. An organizer said the department had ordered 600 pieces of chicken.

A variety of booths closed early because of the weather. But fairgoers had plenty of chances to eat during the afternoon. Gorham Lions Club, which gave away popcorn, was a popular stop for people.

The parade from Village School to St. Anne’s Church was attended by a throng along Main Street with many watching from under umbrellas. The 35 units in the parade included color guards from the police and fire departments, scouts, athletic teams and several civic groups.

For lovers of vintage vehicles, the parade was a special treat. Bill Rust paraded an antique Farmall H farm tractor.

Steve Willis drove a 1927 Reo Speedwagon fire truck. Lettering on the antique fire truck identified it as Willis Farm Fire Department Engine 1. Willis said his dad, Ralph “Rusty” Willis, with help from Henry Hamblen and Bob Kimball restored it 20 years ago for Gorham’s 250th centennial celebration.

There were also several old cars. Ryan Irish was at the wheel of a 1919 Model T Ford. His grandfather, Arthur Caron, rode as a passenger. Caron was born the year the car was built.

Elmer Larson of Westbrook donned a derby to drive his 1930 Model A Roadster. He frequently drives the car he restored. “I fire it up once a week,” he said.

Lee Flowers drove a red, white and blue 1947 Willys Jeep. Monica Atkinson of Windham and her 4-year-old son, Sam, went along for the ride.

Hunter Weeks, 1 1/2, reaches out for an order of French fries at the Gorham Family Fair on Saturday. He’s the son of Scot and Lavonah Weeks of Gorham.

Copy the Story Link