Deerfield Fair has been a Sargent family tradition for years
(and indeed a regional tradition – where else would you find a bow hunter from
Nottingham discussing hunting knives with a mutual fund manager from
Massachusetts?). So it was no surprise
when we heard excited young voices shouting out “meme` and pepe`”. We had crossed paths with our son-in-law and
two grandsons! Indeed - our entire
visit was filled by encounters with acquaintances, friends, and family. What could be better - people and
horse-pulling! As we parted Ron
remarked, “We are going to find some fair fare”. (He never lacks alliterative humor even when squiring two hungry
young boys!).
"Hoss pullin" 3100 Lb class (final boat was over 9,000 lbs)
Typical fair attendees enjoying fair fare!
For me the fair is about legacy – demonstrating skills that (for a moment at least) link an increasingly consumerist society to earth bound skills. It is not only legacy of skills among generational groups - but also familial legacy. A striking example of this is at George's Bean Hole Beans, a fair tradition for years. George Keech, a family friend, passed on this year. His son John, grandson Sean, and John’s friend Scott - along with many family members - are continuing the tradition. They finished a new “building” just in time to roll it in to the fair and dig the bean pits. So here is my shameless plug for legacy: Stop by – it’s near the horse show ring on the unnamed walkway just above South Midway. If you prefer a refreshing drink, you can get apple cider (hot or cold), or get interactive with some spin- art. Whatever you do – get real – get to the Deerfield Fair!
For me the fair is about legacy – demonstrating skills that (for a moment at least) link an increasingly consumerist society to earth bound skills. It is not only legacy of skills among generational groups - but also familial legacy. A striking example of this is at George's Bean Hole Beans, a fair tradition for years. George Keech, a family friend, passed on this year. His son John, grandson Sean, and John’s friend Scott - along with many family members - are continuing the tradition. They finished a new “building” just in time to roll it in to the fair and dig the bean pits. So here is my shameless plug for legacy: Stop by – it’s near the horse show ring on the unnamed walkway just above South Midway. If you prefer a refreshing drink, you can get apple cider (hot or cold), or get interactive with some spin- art. Whatever you do – get real – get to the Deerfield Fair!
