(ed.) to be fair to everyone we should state that one of the principals in this story is a member of our social network.
One of the owners of the midway this year at the Athens Wesserunsett Valley Fair says he knows times are tough.
For that, he said, he is keeping the costs down for rides so families can afford to have a good time.
The fair opens Friday at noon and runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds on Route 150.
Friday's slate includes a children's baseball game at 5 p.m., truck pulls at 7 p.m. and the popular fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Admission is $2, with children under 11 free each day.
The price is just $6 for unlimited rides, all day, said midway co-owner Phil Colwell.
"This is economical -- we realize that times are tough. We're working people, so we understand if it's tough for us, we know that's it's tough for the guy that's working every day," Colwell said. "We want to make it affordable. This is probably going to be the most affordable fair in Maine this year."
Colwell, co-owner of PAK Enterprises of Dandridge, Tenn., the midway operators, said this is their first visit to the Athens fair.
"We are very, very impressed with the local support -- I was surprised," Colwell said. "We just got here on Monday and people have been stopping in all week."
Colwell said there will be a total of 15 to 20 pieces of equipment, including an adult swing ride, kiddie rides, bouncing rides, kid games, adult games and food concessions that will fill the fairgrounds.
Colwell said all of the equipment is licensed and insured state fair equipment.
Admission to the fair will be free for all after 5 p.m. Saturday. Visitors 60 and older will get in free Saturday beginning at 4 p.m.
Fair Association President Donna Avery said PAK also is sponsoring drawings for a boys' and a girls' bicycle with the purchase of a rides bracelet.
Drawings are on Sunday and bracelet holders must be present to win.
There also will be basket raffles and a cash-prize raffle.
Also featured at the fair are a bingo tent, agricultural competitions and displays in the Exhibition Hall, agricultural floats, displays by the Athens Historical Society, a children's barnyard and a show of old farm equipment.
On Saturday, the fair will feature a 4-H open steer show, a draft horse show and something new at 11 a.m. -- the obstacle "he-man" contest, in which participants test their strength and endurance.
The event is to include a "farmer's walk," in which participants carry heavy loads, a skidder-tire flip and dead-weight lifts. Women are invited to participate.
Entry fee for the contest is $10 and prize money will be offered if 10 or more people participate. Trophies will be given to the first- and second-place winners.
The "Strong Arm Challenge" arm-wrestling event is scheduled to follow.
The annual Victory Club baked bean supper is on tap for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday the children's arm-wrestling contest is set for 1 p.m., with a 10-11 a.m. sign up. The annual pig scramble is slated for 3 p.m. Sunday and the women's frying pan throw is set for the baseball field at 11 a.m. Sunday.
