On Saturday and Sunday July 9thand 10th the Windsor County Agricultural Fair will host an ATV Obstacle Course Challenge at Barlow’s Field in Springfield in partnership with the Reading R.A.T.S. (Reading All Terrain Sportsmen).  Mark Bushway Construction and Gurney Brothers Construction are supplying materials for the construction of the course and Spauldings Service Station has donated the use of the Portatree Timing System.

This popular event promises excitement for both competitors and spectators alike. Registration for the competition starts at 9 a.m. on both days in the upper field of the fairgrounds.  Competition will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday and at 12 p.m. on Sunday.   Each day will feature 4 classes: 2 Wheel Drive 399cc and Under; 2 Wheel Drive 400cc and over; 4 Wheel Drive 0 – 500cc; and4 Wheel Drive 501cc and over.

Anyone may participate if they are at least 18 years of age (proof of age required).  All participants must wear a helmet and safety gear.  This is a ‘bring your own ATV course’.  Participants will need to pay the $7.00 fee for the fair and a $10.00 entry fee for the competition itself.  The fun lasts until all the competitors have run the course.  The competition is an electronically timed course using “port a tree” timing system and trophies will be awards for the top three finishers in each class.

The R.A.T.S. meet every month on the second Wednesday at 7 PM at the fire department in Reading.  Their riding season is May 15 to December 15 and memberships can be purchased at Exit 9 Motor Sports in Windsor, Napa in Ludlow, Robbins Sled Shop in Windsor and the Reading Greenhouse.  Total cost for a V.A.S.A./R.A.T.S. membership is $ 50.00 which entitles you to ride on any VASA trail in Vermont.

Questions about the competition can be answered by contacting Dan Hadwin at 886-8252, Dennis Allen at [email protected] or Carole Canfield at [email protected]

Barre Pinske, founder of the Big Buzz Chainsaw Carving Festival in Chester VT will be demonstrating at the Fair on July 9th and 10th, 2011.  Barre started out as a chain saw carver in rural Minnesota carving objects out of trees left dead from Dutch Elm disease. His career evolved to demonstrating his craft at fairs, festivals and chain saw carving contests across the US.  Barre moved to Vermont in 2007 and quickly became known for his unique personality and of course for the carved bears which surround his studio on Route 103 in Chester like sentries.

Barre Pinske made his mark with features on CNN headline news, in USA Today, the Boston Globe and numerous local papers.  His art has been purchased by such notables as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith who owns over 30 pieces. Pinske thinks his most significant art placement is the two wood carvings in Votkinsk Russia. They were a gift to the Russians from the Pentagon of a carved bear and eagle symbolizing the two nations during signing of the nuclear disarmament treaties.

As visitors to his studio know Barre is able to carve a sculpture while entertaining and educating an audience.  His love of his art shines through and his banter keeps people engaged while he works.  He will be demonstrating his craft over the weekend and also has a stage show scheduled on Sunday at 3 p.m. when he will talk about his development as an artist while creating a new carving on the spot.  Adults and kids alike will love to watch the creative process as it happens.

For more information on chain saw carving visit Barre’s website at www.illanajoffrey.com.

We're so happy that the Wild Country Cloggers will once again be appearing at the Fair on Saturday and Sunday July 9 and 10, 2011.

Clogging is a European-influenced folk dancing introduced to America during the early settlement days in southern Appalachian Mountains. With influences ranging from Irish to American Indian, it has developed into a demanding and entertaining form of dance with many regional styles incorporated.  It is a dance form that promotes passion and positivity. 

The Wild Country Cloggers of Bennington, Vermont were established as a folk dance club in the spring of 1991 and 2011 marks their 20th year of operations.   They are a not-for-profit dance company focused on the preservation and further education of American clog dancing.  They have earned the title of “Vermont’s longest-running clogging competition team” and are the hosts of the regionally famous “Clog College” clogging workshop.

They offer lessons at locations in Bennington County for beginning to advanced dancers. The Wild Country Cloggers perform year-round throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts.  They also compete annually at the Northeast Clogging Competition in Nashua, NH.   To learn more about the Wild Country Cloggers email: [email protected] or visit their website Wild Country Cloggers: take your chance, come and dance!.