by Jamie Lasorsa –
It’s that time again! When all the planning and organizing that takes place throughout the year by the
Sterling Fair Committee comes to fruition and the weekend after Labor Day, September 8th-12th,
people from miles around will gather to enjoy the many sights and attractions of the Sterling Fair.
Did you know that the Sterling Fair is not only one of the largest fairs which still takes place in central
Massachusetts, but also one of the last municipal fairs, completely run by volunteers, and which does
not charge an admission or parking fee? This structure allows families to come enjoy the fair without
the stress of having to pay an expensive admission fee just for walking through the gates. This helps
fair goers to distribute their “fair funds” throughout the grounds to food vendors, crafters, exhibitors,
and more. However, you can show your love and support by purchasing a button and/or T-shirt
designed and sold by the Fair Committee, as these funds help cover the many costs of holding the fair
each year.
Close to 35,000 people will grace the grounds of the Sterling Municipal Airport over the two-and-a-
half-day event. The Ciborowski Family, who own the land and Jimmy Simpson who owns the Sterling
Airport, have, for years, donated this space for the fair, shutting down operations for a total of 10 days
to prepare and hold the event. This is just one of the many acts of community support which Sterling
prides itself on. Without this support, the fair wouldn’t be possible.
I had the pleasure of speaking with long time committee members Terry Heinold, who has been
volunteering for the fair for over 37 years, serving as either the chair or now as the vice-chair for about
20 years, and Phil Campbell who has been volunteering for about 30 years and has been the
committee treasurer for 10 years now.
Both spoke of fond memories of how they got started with the fair and how the comradery shown by
the community is what keeps the fair going strong. “Seeing a kid excited for winning a blue ribbon” is
what Terry describes as one of his favorite things about the fair and why he continues to be involved
year after year. Phil got started with trash-pick and was quickly asked to jump in with the kid’s games.
Since then, he’s been hooked! He spoke of a time when “for years we were begging people to come”
and how now the fair is so well attended, it’s a task in itself directing all the attendees through the
many attractions.
This will be Megan Fowler-Magaw’s second year with the fair, quickly going from a volunteer last
year to Vendor Coordinator and Secretary of the Committee this year. Having just moved to Sterling in
2020, Megan was looking for a way to get involved and thought the fair was a perfect match for what
she was looking for. “Part of the reason we moved to Sterling is because the town felt like it still holds
onto its farming / agricultural values…I especially love that the fair prides itself on remaining affordable
with free parking and only a request for donations with the purchase of buttons and/or shirts, making it
an accessible family event. There’s also a focus on supporting local farmers, agriculture, livestock, and
small businesses which is very important, especially in today’s society.”
This year will bring back many of the time-honored traditions of the fair, including agricultural
favorites such as the Horse and Oxen Pulls, Livestock Show, Perkins Belgian Horse Parade, Exhibit
Hall, and the Tractor Pull, as well as a Farmer’s Market, Gillette Midway, Live Entertainment,
Helicopter Rides and of course many craft and food vendors.
There will be a few new additions to the fair this year as well. Speed Painter Rob Surette, an Official
Top-Tier Master Fine Artist for Disney, Lucasfilm, DC Comics, Dream Works and Muppets will perform
a show on Saturday September 9th. Rob has made many TV appearances and done numerous
custom masterpieces for celebrities including President Barack Obama, Oprah, Arnold
Schwarzenegger and many more! Animal Adventures Exotic Animal Zoo of Bolton will hold shows on
both Sat and Sun and there will be an expanded Military Vehicle display to enjoy. There is also a skillet
throwing competition, frog races, and an elaborate firework display on Friday night to enjoy!
Since the fair is run completely by volunteers from Sterling and the surrounding towns, there
is always somewhere that someone can jump in to help! Helping for a few hours, or the whole
weekend if you wish, is appreciated! There are many different tasks that can be volunteered
for, such set-up & break-down, directing parking, trash collection, button sales, and water
distribution – to name a few. The fair couldn’t take place without the many volunteers which
make it happen, if you would like to become part of this beloved group, you can read more
about the opportunities and sign up here: https://sterlingfair.org/about-us/volunteer/ Hope to
see you there!
