WESTPORT — Area politicians competed udder to udder, demonstrating their prowess in a milking contest at the Essex County Fair.
The contest pitted politicians from both sides of the aisle, though Republicans were not necessarily on the right side of the cow nor Democrats on the left.
However, on this day they could all be fitted with the appellation of “cowservative.”
Emily French brought her bovine friend Crystal to be the center of contention. And while the cow stood contentedly, the politicians became engaged in the heated rivalry — or at least they warmed their hands first.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the defeat of perennial champion, Westport Supervisor Dan Connell (D), who was dethroned, or perhaps de-stooled, by Schroon’s first-term supervisor Michael Marnell (R).
After demonstrating their milking prowess, the contestants went above the call of duty and drank the bovine elixir, though Essex County DA Kristy Sprague employed an apparent childhood technique and pinched her nostrils.
Earlier in the day, 12-year-old Malinda Lobdell, winner of the 2011 fair’s Idol Contest, sang the Star Spangled Banner to open the festivities. Then Master of Ceremonies Ernie LaPine gave a history of the fair and paid tribute to the Westport and Wadhams fire and emergency squads for keeping the fairgoers and community safe through their diligent efforts.
LaPine also gave an emotional speech honoring Lyn Lobdell, who has been an avid fair volunteer for a half century.
ON TAP TODAY
It could get mighty messy at the Fair today, with the Pudding Eating Contest on the schedule.
Numerous shows and other events take place daily, including Jeff Boyer, the Mad Scientist; the Baby Animal Barn; Hot Dog Pig Races; Wild Experience Petting Zoo; Rain Garden Demonstrations; and JD Winslow Equestrian Entertainment (two shows daily).
Here are some other highlights:
TODAY
8 a.m.: Essex County Fair Horse Show.
9:30 a.m.: County Fair Cattle Show.
10 a.m.: Midway Opens.
Noon: Bike Rodeo and Bike Giveaway at the grandstand.
2 p.m.: Pudding Eating Contest at the EMS Building.
5:15 p.m.: John Longware Memorial Pancake Supper in the Conservation Area.
7 p.m.: Terry Lee Goffee, the Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute.
Fireworks will follow.
SATURDAY
8 a.m.: Open Horse Show.
10 a.m.: Horse Pulling Contest.
11 a.m.: 4-H Rabbit Fun Show.
Noon: Midway Opens, Egglefield Ford Demolition Derby ($5 grandstand admission).
1 p.m. 4-H Poultry Costume Show.
4 p.m.: Cattle Costume Class.
5 p.m.: Egglefield Ford Demolition Derby ($5 grandstand admission).
5:30 p.m.: Bicycle giveaway.
