Beckley Road stayed busy last weekend as thousands of people took advantage of the wonderful weather to attend the 73rd annual Berlin Lions Fair, held Sept. 15 to 18. Ticket sales on Friday and Saturday set fair records.

“We had our biggest and best Berlin Fair ever, showing a growth of 30 percent from last year,” Fair President Philip Porter said. “I sincerely hope every fairgoer had an amazing time and that our non-profit food booths achieved significant success in their endeavors. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next September.”

The fair offered fun for all ages, including a demolition derby, helicopter rides, a circus, contests, live music, games, rides, and plenty of food – more so than usual. “The people asked for more food, so we gave it to them,” Porter said.

Jessica D’Ambrosio's fair eats included shish kebab, corn and a lobster roll. And she enjoyed seeing her son perform with the Berlin High School Marching Band.

JoAnne Libano said she had "a couple of beers, a cheeseburger from Kensington Congregational Church" and "a big hot donut on the way out." Libano's daughter Avery performed the National Anthem with her McGee Middle School peers.

For many residents, the Berlin Fair is a family tradition. Boys and girls who not too long ago roamed the fairgrounds laughing with their friends, now have kids of their own doing the same.

After more than seven decades, the fair is still a big draw.

“I have no reason to think we have not shattered all records,” Philip Porter said.

“We wanted to do a bigger and better fair, and attendance-wise, we did bigger and better.”

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