Norman Brown of Jay begins his tractor pull in the 2,000-pound division as sled operator Steven Lee sits behind him at the Oxford County Fair last year. Brewster Burns photo

OXFORD — The annual Oxford County Fair kicks off Wednesday with the traditional Agricultural and Conservation Day at the fairgrounds on Pottle Road.

Hundreds of students from throughout the area are expected to attend the educational event that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The theme is “There’s Soooo Much to Do — Come on, Let’s Go!,” said Jeannie Federico, education and outreach coordinator with Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District.

A child pets a cow during last year’s Agriculture and Conservation Day at Oxford County Fair in Oxford. Submitted photo

“This day is traditionally set aside for children up to sixth grade and home-school families to visit the fair and learn about the many aspects of agriculture and conservation,” Federico said.

There will be several learning stations that focus on various fun agricultural and conservation activities for children to do. Activities will include canoeing and kayaking, farming, fishing, flying kites, gardening, growing trees and learning to be LakeSmart, an education and reward program that assists lakefront homeowners manage landscapes in ways that protect water quality.

Attendees will be able to meet Officer John Lewis of the Norway Police Department and his police dog, Bolo.

The Oxford Police and Fire departments will greet children as they explore the world of police cruisers and firetrucks. They will also learn about fire safety by visiting the Norway Fire Department’s Smoke House, and the first aid station will teach them general emergency first aid, Federico said.

“Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grassy area under the old oaks beside the pulling ring,” she added. “If the weather is overcast or we have sprinkles, the event will still take place, but in case of heavy rain, it will be canceled.”

Firemen’s Muster

Nightly entertainment includes Running Down A Dream/The Tom Petty Tribute Band on Wednesday, Peter Allen & Hurricane Mountain on Thursday, and KC Eliminator/ZZ Top Tribute Band on Friday. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

The Firemen’s Muster, which was introduced last year, will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday on the Demolition Derby Field. Six-member teams will compete in dry hose, wet hose, ball squirt and mystery competitions.

Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place for each event and one to the overall winning team.

Hebron Fire Chief Jim Trundy, vice president of the Oxford County Agricultural Society, said seven or eight teams competed in the inaugural muster.

“I think last year went very well,” he said. “We had a good crowd of spectators for a first-year event and competitors said they would come back if we did it again.”

Several teams have already signed up for the muster, which is limited to 10 teams, he added.

There is no fee to register a team. For information, contact Trundy at 966-2913.

Woodsmen’s Day

Julie Taylor of Peru attaches the blade to her bow saw before the bucksaw competition at last year’s Woodsmen’s Day at the Oxford County Fair in Oxford. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file photo

The 43rd annual Woodsmen’s Day will take place Friday. Men and women will compete individually in wood chop, bucksaw, ax throw, tree fell and three chainsaw events. They will partner for the log roll, general crosscut saw and Jack and Jill crosscut saw events.

People come from all over New England and Quebec to take part in the competition, according to Elaine Emery, co-coordinator of the competition.

“A lot of our competitors are products of college woodsman and forestry programs,” she said. “I have a lot of local people come to the show year after year. It is a really nice show both for competitors and spectators.”

Points will be tallied across all events and overall champions will be named in men’s master (55 or older), men’s and women’s categories.

“There is a lot of camaraderie in the sport, and it is a sport,” she said. “It is something they enjoy, like baseball. It is not unusual for them to spend two or three thousand dollars on their axes, and even more on their saws.”

The event begins at 9 a.m. in the 4×4 arena.

Music and more

Musical headliner Sawyer Brown will perform Saturday at 5 p.m.

Also slated to perform are Running Down A Dream/The Tom Petty Tribute Band on Wednesday, Peter Allen & Hurricane Mountain on Thursday, and KC Eliminator/ZZ Top Tribute Band on Friday. The shows begin at 8 p.m.

“We put more money into entertainment this year,” said Jackie Young, president of the Oxford County Agricultural Society.

Other events include steer and oxen competition, horse pulling, 4-H shows, he-man contest, apple pie contest, pig scrambles, Community Day, Demolition Derby and Smokey’s Greater Shows.

Admission prices are: Wednesday, $1; Thursday, $5, free for 5 and younger; Friday, $8, free for 5 and younger; Saturday, $10, free for 5 and younger.

Parking fees are: Wednesday, $1; Thursday and Friday, $5; Saturday $10.

The walk-in gate will be closed this year. The new gate and parking at the Family Fun Field will be open.