The Fryeburg (Maine) Fair

was a vibrant eight day event for the citizens of Maine (ME), New Hampshire (NH), and an estimated additional 300,000 other attendees from across the United States and around the world after nearly two years of following quarantine and isolation protocols to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. VRC’s 1st New England Detachment manned an operations and recruiting booth for the all eight days of the Fair. U.S. VRC members established a Tactical Operations Center (TOC) on site, site, out of which they conducted safety support and recruiting operations for all eight days of the fair. Safety briefings and review of relevant hazard mitigations allowed members to coordinate multi- shift assignments for crowd management, family reunification, and safety patrols.

The Fair was organized by the West Oxford Agricultural Society, comprised of 16 towns in ME and six towns in NH. Fair events included displays, competitions, contests, scholarship awards, and auctions involving all manner of agricultural products, livestock, freshly baked and preserved food, and craft items. The 2019 Fair received several thousand participant entries for diverse competitions ranging from anvil throwing and log rolling, to sheepdog trials and a firemen's muster. This year, the Fair included a petting zoo, strolling entertainers and a stilt-walker. Organizers also welcomed youth groups and provided for families camping at the fairgrounds.

Supporting Community Events!

The Fair provided an excellent venue for networking with civil authorities, recruiting and fundraising. The 1st NED signed new members and received donations from both private citizens and local businesses interested in supporting the U.S. VRC mission. Members were able to assist with reuniting a lost child with their family, and are glad to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a well-organized, fun and beneficial community event.