By Caitlin V. Reidy, Reporter
The 2022 Sterling Fair was more than just an annual family-fun filled weekend. It was the mark
of something even more significant- moving forward in the age of COVID-19 with familiar and nostalgic
memories.
The Sterling Fair was held through September 9th-11th this year, and brought back the family
favorites that have been absent for the past three years due to the pandemic. From loaded baked potatoes
to carnival games, from strawberry shortcake to adrenaline-rushing rides, this year’s Sterling Fair offered
something for every member of the family who wanted to indulge in familiar fair fun.
Doug Downey, President of the Sterling Fair Committee, emphasized the significance of this
year’s festivities after “two years of disappointment.”
“Our fair’s theme for this year was ‘Seeds Of Hope.’ I believe that this was very appropriate as
bringing back the fair this year brought more of a sense of normalcy to our community coming out of the
Covid pandemic,” Mr. Downey stated.
The normalcy that Mr. Downey conveyed was evident throughout the fairgrounds all weekend.
Kids, families, and the elderly were energized by the different events that were offered for all ages. Kids
flocked to the BYOF (Bring Your Own Frog) Frog Jump Competition, while families and individuals
gathered under the entertainment tent for live music and a mind-bending magic show featuring Steve
Charette.
Though I’ve personally been to a few magic shows, I’ve always somehow been able to sense how
magicians were able to mislead their audiences. However, seeing Steve Charette’s performance would
bewilder the most brilliant minds and expert illusionists. He was able to send furniture flying through the
air with no apparent wires, magnets, or deception, and made women’s engagement rings disappear and
reappear with more than just a trick of the hand. His act was not only truly perplexing, but left his
audience tilting their heads in shock and disbelief.
Jessica Gregorczyk, a resident of Rutland , Massachusetts, was excitedly watching the magic
show and said that she was happy to be able to bring her teenage daughter and friends to the fair for the
first time since Covid.
“This [bringing kids to the fair] is like a teen’s right of passage. It’s not only a fun family day, but
a chance for teenagers to experience life how we did as kids before social media, Covid, and new societal
pressures,” Mrs. Gregorczyk stated.
Families weren’t the only ones happy to see the return of the Sterling Fair; workers were thrilled
to be back in action as well. Crystal Griffin, a carnival worker who works the Sterling Fair and other
festivals throughout the country, stated that it was great to be “back to work” and “make up for the last
two years.”
Mr. Downey praised the Sterling Senior Center, who he said did a “trial run” of their shuttle bus
on Friday evening, and transported “folks with mobility restrictions to and from the fair with drop offs in
special accessible locations.” Veronica Buckley, Director of the Senior Center, is responsible for creating
and implementing Sterling’s Age and Dementia Friendly Program that utilized the transport. Though she
is always quick to praise her colleagues, the police department, and Sterling’s town government, Ms.
Buckley can always be seen supporting safe transportation for seniors and advocating for their needs, and
this event was no different.
One of the most…interesting…events at the Sterling Fair was the dunk tank. Mr. Downey stated
that this “highlight was run by Megan Genereux and the Gage family, and this year’s dunk tank raised
$1,434.00.”
I, personally, have to thank Mr. Downey for volunteering me to sit in the dunk tank this year. In
addition to writing articles for Sterling Meetinghouse News, I am a full-time, high school English teacher.
On Saturday, September 10th, I was greeted by many of my students’ eager faces who could not wait to
submerge their teacher in a basin of icy water. Furthermore, I would like to give a shoutout to Diane Gage
who sent an announcement throughout the fair that I was sitting in the dunk tank and my “students should
come and try to dunk me.” You know that you have touched the hearts, and have inspired the minds of
many, when your students are lining up and willing to pay money to see you faceplant in an oversized
bucket of water. I have to admit, though, I may have had a little fun-okay, a lot of fun, seeing the kids
being allowed to do something like this in an out-of-school event. Well played, Downey. Excellent
fundraising strategy!
From games to the fair attendees, to mooing cows to the happy, spitting llamas, this year’s
Sterling Fair went on almost without a hitch. On Saturday, September 10th, an electrical transformer blew
and shut down power to most of the midway. Thankfully, the Sterling Municipal Light Department
rushed to the rescue and was able to get the power back on within a few hours. Mr. Downey also made a
point to thank the town’s first responders.
“As always, all the departments of our town worked hard to support the Sterling Fair this year. It
was so reassuring to me when our Police Department, Fire Department, Light Department, DPW, and
everyone in the Town Hall told me not to worry as they were there to help. We could not have the Fair
without all the support. We were so happy to have the Sterling Firefighters Association back with their
delicious roast beef and ham sandwiches, and their booth continues to be the most popular booth at the
fair,” Mr. Downey stated.
Sterling’s Town Hall and Mr. Downey expressed gratitude towards the Ciborowski Family, who
owns the Sterling Airport land, and Jim Simpson Sr. and Jim Simpson Jr., who own the airport business.
“Without these folks letting us use the airport, we would not be able to have this fair,” Mr.
Downey conveyed.
Additionally, Mr. Downey addressed a “rumor” he has heard mumblings about-that this would be
the last Sterling Fair.
“I want the community to know that we are already planning for the 2023 Fair!” Mr. Downey
expressed. “This is NOT the end of the Sterling Fair.”
Though not without some small obstacles, the 2022 Sterling Fair was a huge success and really
captured the feelings that this town is all about- family, community, and “hope.” Next year’s fair is sure
to be a continuation of life post pandemic and the familiarity that this event brings to town. I may even
allow Mr. Downey to volunteer me for the dunk tank again.