OXFORD — Agriculture & Conservation Day at Oxford County Fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Oxford County Fairgrounds on Pottle Road.

The day is traditionally set aside for children up to sixth grade and home-school families to learn about the many aspects of agriculture and conservation.

It is free for all children and their parents or support personnel, but in order to receive support materials and gift items the children must register with Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District. Support materials include grade-specific study materials to help children prepare for their visit to the fair and a list of books that relate to the subjects presented.

This year the theme is “Habitats” and there will be several learning stations that focus on various aspects of Farm, Forest & Field, Rivers & Ponds and Soil habitat. In addition, there will be many demonstrations, exhibits and games. Officer John Lewis and Bolo, the Norway Police Department police dog, will be giving a demonstration of Bolo’s skills.

Oxford Police and Fire Department will greet children as they explore police cruisers and firetrucks. Children 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.

There will be many farm animals and livestock demonstrations. Student volunteers from Oxford Hills Christian Academy will lead the children in games and learning stations, and 4-H members will have a robotics table and rocket-building areas.

The Gem Sluice is an ever-popular place to visit, as is the blacksmith, the museum, Norway/Paris Fish & Game, the Fiber Arts tent and Miss Judy with her storytelling.

Cooper Farms of West Paris is donating apples for all the children.

Attendees may purchase lunch at the fair or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grassy area under the old oaks beside the pulling ring.

If the weather is overcast or it sprinkles, the event will still take place, but in case of heavy rain it will be canceled.

Agriculture & Conservation Day at Oxford County Fair is a cooperative event of Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Oxford County Agricultural Society.

For more information, to register or to receive materials, call Jean Federico at 207-744-3119 or email oxfordcountyswcd@gmail.com. 

Children inspect a used John Deere tractor for sale at the 2017 Oxford County Fair’s AgCon Day.