Another Year Of Home-Style Heaven––

The 48th Annual Bridgewater Country Fair

By Larissa Lytwyn

The recent 48th annual Bridgewater Country Fair offered its usual bounty of craft exhibits, livestock shows, tractor pulls, best-produce contests, carnival games, rides, music and much more, drawing thousands from across the region last weekend

In addition to opportunities to ooh and ah the impeccable handicraft of local artisans or coo at the irresistible cuteness of domestic rabbits, fairgoers could participate in a Bridgewater Fire Department-sponsored raffle, featuring prizes ranging from a 2003 GMC Sierra Truck to a gas-powered skateboard. Robert Blessey of Newtown won a digital camera and photo printer.

Among the baking contest winners was Charlotte Spring Meter of Sandy Hook, whose apple pie proved delectable enough to win first place in the state apple pie contest. Katherine Lukienchuck, also of Sandy Hook, won first place for her blueberry muffins.

A repeat winner was Mary Ann Movaco of Sandy Hook, whose awards this year included first place in both the canning exhibit and, for her perfectly shaped pears, the senior vegetable and fruit exhibit, as well as third place in the fresh egg exhibit. Sandy Hook’s Color Guard also won first place kudos for Best Appearing Fireman’s Color Guard.

William Werner of Newtown won third prize in the Junior Hobbies exhibit. In the 2003 Pedal Tractor Pull 5-and-6-year-old division, Thomas Long of Sandy Hook placed fourth. Among 7- and 8- year-olds, Michael Long of Sandy Hook placed fourth. Tyler Roberts of Newtown placed fifth. Among 9- and 10-year-olds, Timmy Roberts of Newtown placed second.

Rick and Lisa Agee of New Milford brought their unusual product line to the Bridgewater Fair for the first time. Last December, Ms Agee was searching for alternative food products for her youngest son, who had severe allergies. Her search led to the purchase of a few bars of Goat’s Milk Soap, which, during the next few months, became beloved by her entire family. The Agees’ claim the soap virtually eradicates dry skin. Inspired, Ms Agee recently launched her own company of goat milk products, called Goatboy (www.goatboy.us), and sells a line of creams and soaps to customers across the region, including Newtown.

“We named our two [female] goats [known as does], Lisa and Ryanne,” said Mr Agee, “after my wife and my son, Ryan.” The goats were also brought to the fair, to the admiration of many onlookers.

“I’d like to look into producing goat milk,” said Mr Agee. Although high in fat, he said, the product is virtually lactose free, an ideal choice for people suffering from lactose intolerance and other conditions.

“We’ve participated in fairs across the region,” said Mrs Agee. “But this is our first time at Bridgewater. It’s a great place. We’ve had a lot of positive response. We love it!”