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The Aggie Fair returns this weekend for the 44th year.

Adams Agricultural Fair Features Farming Traditions, Rodeo, Demo Derby

By Matt McGroryiBerkshires Intern
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See photos from last year's event here. 
ADAMS, Mass. — The 44th annual Adams Agricultural Fair will once again showcase the agricultural pursuits of Berkshire County along with family-friendly entertainment.
 
The event, commonly known as the Aggie Fair, is set to take place from Friday through Sunday,  Aug. 3-5, at Bowe Field, 371 Old Columbia St.
 
The fair continues its mission to keep farming traditions alive by endorsing the local agricultural community, 4-H and other participating members.
 
Betty Randall, one of the main organizers of the Aggie Fair, said the fair recognizes the importance of agriculture to the community and noted that the United States was a country that was largely started by farmers.
 
A volunteer-driven, community affair, the Aggie Fair promotes local agriculture through its exhibits, such as their animal judging and the selling of local produce.
 
This year, the fair hopes to draw a large crowd with exciting new events such as a rodeo; the only one of its kind in the region, it will feature professional bull and bronco riding.
 
The Double M Rodeo, which begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, will also host barrel racing and roping events with local participants.
 
Of course, there will also be musical events to liven the atmosphere. Friday and Saturday will have shows at 7 p.m. by Elizabeth Young and the Restless Hearts and Bits and Pieces, respectively. Saturday and Sunday will present the children’s musical artist Terry a la Berry at around noon both days.
 
Additionally, adult beverages will be served at the evening musical events.
 
Other special features of the fair will include the crowning of the fair prince and princess, carnival rides, the Boy Scout Troop 38 climbing wall, the Northern Berkshire Beekeepers, “Pups in the Air,” and the Belanger Brothers Show, along with the traditional craft and agriculture exhibits, livestock judging and the oxen pulls.
 
The fair concludes on Sunday with the hugely popular demolition derby at 2 and the awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
 
The cost of entry for the fair is $8 for the whole day or three-day pass for $20. Children under 5 years gain free entry and those ages 5 to 16 are $6. Find the full schedule here.

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Adams Review Library, COA and Education Budgets

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — The Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen reviewed the public services, Hoosac Valley Regional School District and McCann Technical School budgets on Tuesday. 
 
The workshop at the Adams Free Library was the third of four joint sessions to review the proposed $19 million fiscal 2025 budget. The first workshop covered general government, executive, finance and technology budgets; the second public works, community development and the Greylock Glen. 
 
The Council on Aging and library budgets have increases for wages, equipment, postage and software. The Memorial Day budget is level-funded at $1,450 for flags and for additional expenses the American Legion might have; it had been used to hire bagpipers who are no longer available. 
 
The COA's budget is up 6.76 percent at $241,166. This covers three full-time positions including the director and five regular per diem van drivers and three backup drivers. Savoy also contracts with the town at a cost of $10,000 a year based on the number of residents using its services. 
 
Director Sarah Fontaine said the governor's budget has increased the amount of funding through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs from $12 to $14 per resident age 60 or older. 
 
"So for Adams, based on the 2020 Census data, says we have 2,442 people 60 and older in town," she said. "So that translates to $34,188 from the state to help manage Council on Aging programs and services."
 
The COA hired a part-time meal site coordinator using the state funds because it was getting difficult to manage the weekday lunches for several dozen attendees, said Fontaine. "And then as we need program supplies or to pay for certain services, we tap into this grant."
 
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