Saturday's attendance sky high after soggy start

Sarah Molander of Tewksbury, Mass., catches some air at the Rochester Fair on Saturday. (Harrison Thorp photos)

ROCHESTER - Rain may have dampened Friday’s opening of the 138th Rochester Fair, but Saturday’s gorgeous weather more than made up for the slow start.

The fairgrounds yesterday were teeming with folks from all over Massachusetts, Maine and of course New Hampshire, for whom coming to the fair is as indelibly etched in fall traditions as pumpkins and apple picking.

Candace Stanley, 23, of Farmington, said she’s been coming to the fair for as long as she can remember.

Throngs of fairgoers pack a busy midway on Saturday.

“I’ve been coming here ever since I was little,” she said as she was about to enjoy a fair staple: fried dough topped with butter and sprinkled sugar.

The only disappointment so far has been the absence of the fair’s newest ride sensation, the Speed XXL thrill ride, which was struck by lightning during Thursday’s storms.

A Fiesta Shows employee said the part needed to fix the Speed XXL is coming from Europe and is expected to arrive in time for its repair by midweek.

Kurt, of Orlando, Fla., who works for Fiesta Shows, batters up onion rings on Saturday. He said after the Rochester Fair, it's on to Topsfield, before the season ends, and he goes home to Orlando.

This year’s fair includes free morning admission from Monday through Friday, when the midway will be closed but folks can enjoy the fair’s many food vendors and exhibits.

Today’s featured attractions include a Demolition Derby, Pig Racing, Circus Hollywood, Chainsaw Chix and the Pinewood Derby.

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