8178-R1_MSA_November2022_MaineSnowmobiler

FRYEBURG FAIR in the REARVIEW By Colin McLaskey

Another year at the Fryeburg Fair is in the books, if you missed it then you missed one of the greatest events New England has to offer. Despite still loaming covid and high prices everywhere, that did not discourage folks from all over the country from attending Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic. One of the reasons they all come, is to play Burnt Meadow Snowmobile Club’s “Dice in the Dish” game. This year we spoke with snowmobilers and folks from Fort Kent, Caribou, Pittsburg, N.H., Canaan, VT., Syracuse, N.Y., just to name a few. The couple that really stands out though, was the folks that were in a mandatory evacuation area down in Florida, they decided to evacuate to the Fryeburg Fair and forget their worries at the Dice in the Dish game. They played for hours without a care in the world. I am amazed at just how popular our Dice in the Dish game has become. There are folks who’s only reason for attend ing the Fair is to play our game. There are folks who save their winnings from the previous year who return with coin to play some more. There are folks who purposely put sav ings aside all year long just to visit our booth. What else can I say, ask anyone who has ever played they will tell you, “It’s the most fun you can have at the Fryeburg Fair”. I would like to thank all of our new and returning patrons, it is you that makes the game so much fun. Granted the odds are in the house’s favor, but have you ever had so much fun making a donation. We appreciate you each and every one you. THANK YOU! Most importantly though I want to thank the volunteers who man the booth, without you this fundraiser would not happen. Thank you Ernest Perreault (86 years young) for being there every day from start to sometimes till finish, and to Nancy (his lovely lady friend) for stepping in on a couple of the busiest days of the week and making change like a pro. THANK YOU BOTH! Thank you to Alice & Jim Fitzgerald, new members who helped kick off opening day and handled themselves like they had always been there. THANK YOU! Thank you Shawn Waite for stepping up last minute. There were some worrisome holes in the schedule until you came forward, but you came to the rescue and we made it thru a very busy Friday night. THANK YOU!

Thank you Scott Moulton with your new job commitment we really appreciate the 2 days you were able to give and I really appreciate you taking over calling duties and giving my voice a badly needed rest. THANK YOU! Thank you Mike Wollmann, it has been several years since you have been available to help out and it sure was nice to have you back in the booth. You always bring fresh energy with you which motivates and keeps things hopping. THANK YOU! Thank you Phil Johnson for giving up a couple of your eve nings to help out. The nights are when things can get crazy, and it is greatly appreciated when there is enough staff to handle the craziness. THANK YOU! Thank you Stacy Holden, wrong place, wrong time, good heart. Just because you are the president’s neighbor. Thank you for giving us an afternoon shift and some much needed relief to the everyday tiring staff. THANK YOU! Thank you Ron & Diane Barrett for sitting thru the worst traffic of the week to come in and help out both Saturday and Closing Sunday. THANK YOU! And most importantly I would like to thank all of you for donating your time and giving Ernest and I the relief we needed to get to the end of another successful year at the Fair. THANK YOU ALL!

Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Snowmobile Safety Courses IF&W Recreational Safety Unit: 207-287-5220

An updated list of courses and options for online course registration are available at: maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/safety-courses/snowmobile-safety.html Total Course = 6 Hours • Proper Operation and Safety (Riding Skill-Equipment-Maintenance) = 2 Hours • Laws = 30 Minutes • Emergencies & Survival = 40 Minutes • Map & Compass = 1 Hour • Self Help First Aid = 20 Minutes • Environmental/Landowner/Ethics = 1 1/2 Hours

Can’t find a course for your area? Contact the Recreational Safety Division Office at (207) 287-5220

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