Compiled by

Irene  Wheeler, Historian

 

Our 145^th Woodstock Fair in 2005 was a huge success.  Overall we had a record attendance of over 10,000 more people than last year.  On Friday, we had a record attendance, probably because of the country music group SheDaisy and on Monday we also had a record, probably because of the sixties music group, The Beach Boys.  The attendance was 56,390 on Friday.  On Saturday, we had 65, 742.  On Sunday, we had 81,075 and on Monday, we had 66,785 in attendance.  This gave us a total attendance of 269,992. 

 The weather was good for us every day this year.  On Friday, the weather was great with a high of 87 and a low of 58.  On Saturday, it was mostly breezy and pleasant with a high of 81 and a low of 63.  On Sunday, it was sunny with a light breeze and a high of 79 and low of 56.  On Monday, it was a really nice sunny day.  We had a high of 78 and a low of 55.  We couldn’t have had a nicer weekend for the fair.

 On Friday, the entertainment was juggler-comedian Paul Isaak, hypnotist – Jim Spinnato and SHEDaisy.  On the South Stage, we had Ole Tyme Fiddlers, Christopher Jon – the comedy Con, and Hard Luck Aces.  On Saturday, we showcased Lou Gramm, the lead singer of the group Foreigner and the Bandstand Review.  On the South Stage, we had Magnet Man, the Woodstock Hill Singers and stage band, and Charlene Cipione.  A special event on Saturday was the wedding of Armand Bruneau of Killingly and Tina Thornton of Coventry, RI.  The tied the knot on the South Stage around 6p.m.  Six bridesmaids and groomsmen were in attendance with about 80 family and friends.  Several hundred curious fairgoers watched as Justice of the Peace, Thomas Borner presided over the ceremony.  On Sunday, the big attraction on the Main Stage was The Jan and Dean Show starring Dean Torrence and the Surf City All Stars for an afternoon and an evening show.  On the South Stage, we had the East Woodstock Coronet Band and Aces and Eights.  On Monday, The Beach Boys, with lead singer Mike Love, from the original band and Bruce Johnston from 1965 were features.  The group put on a great show and played for almost two hours.  When The Beach Boys began playing their old tunes, beach balls flew in the air and people kept them aloft.  The Great Garage Band also played on Monday. 

 Many enjoyed the arcade and rides by Fiesta Shows.  Their new ride, Freak Out, was a big hit.  Have you ever tried a deep-fried Twinkie or candy bar?  You must have tried doughboys and turkey drumsticks.  Food vendors of all kinds of regular fair foods and unusual foods were everywhere.

 The Horse Show continued all four days.  The Pulls – ox, horse, pony, and tractor – went on each day with Rosemary Naples making the calls.  The go-cart races were running constantly.  The new Antique Barn Museum with its display of antique farm equipment was a big hit.  We can’t forget the Craft Tents and the booths selling everything.  The Agriculture Building, housing displays of wine, apples, cheese, butter, honey and many other things grown or raised in the area.  There were paintings, photographs, handiwork, crafts, apples and flowers and vegetables that were exhibited for us to see.  There was a giant pumpkin contest with the largest pumpkin about 875 pounds.  The cattle, sheep, chickens, swine and rabbits were on display.  There were many individual contests and much, much more.  There is always a lot for everyone at our Fair.