OXFORD — A record 800-plus students from Western Maine visited the Oxford County Fair on Wednesday to learn about churning butter, shearing sheep and other agricultural activities.

“We got 813 students” for Education Day, Oxford County Agricultural Society President Jackie Young of Paris said. Usually about 500 students attend.

The children ranged in age from 3 to 11 and came from schools in SAD 17, which is based in Oxford, RSU 10 in the Rumford-Dixfield-Buckfield area, and SAD 44 based in Bethel. Preschools, private schools and home schools also had students in attendance.

Beautiful late-summer weather greeted them at the fairgrounds off Pottle Road.

“I like the horses the best,” said Sara Geyer, a first-grade student at the Hebron Station School as she looked up at a pair of red Durham steers being shown by Sheldon Morgan of Woodstock.

Geyer and her classmates had already watched a demonstration of butter churning, got some apple cider and attended exhibits and demonstrations early Wednesday morning. They also rode on a hay wagon pulled by two Belgian horses owned by Gordon Grover of Otisfield.

The goal of Education Day is to teach students the importance of agriculture and conservation, Jeannie Federico of the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District said. The students learn about of farming, conserving agricultural and natural resources, and the historical contribution of agriculture and conservation to the Oxford Hills region.

Children were involved in hands-on learning booths, including one by the Department of Conservation showing that products such as chalk and chocolate come from trees.

Some of the children spend the week at the fair as part of lamb and beef exhibitions. Nine-year old twins Makayla and Madison Brown of Paris, along with their grandmother Anna Brown of Anna and Scott Brown’s Valley View Farm, showed other students how they shear their yearling ewe. The ewe will have lambs in the spring, Anna Brown said.

“She’ll have a long career,” she said.

This is the second year the girls have exhibited ewes. Both girls said they learned the shearing process from their grandfather Scott Brown.

The students spent 10 to 15 minutes at each learning station. Teachers were sent materials prior to the day to have discussions before they attended the fair. Each student received a bag of goodies from local businesses that emphasize keeping healthy, doing well in school and starting a savings account.

The fair continues Thursday with Senior Citizens Day, with those ages 55 or older admitted at a reduced price of $3.

Also Thursday, all visitors to the fair are invited to a free snack and lunch, hosted by Lawrence C. Murch, a director of the fair.

Friday features Woodmen’s Day and a 4-H youth market lamb and beef sale. The evening activities include a demolition derby.

Saturday is Family Fun Day and 4-H Day, culminating with a concert by Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes, which is included in the gate price of $5.

Smokey’s Greater Shows’ midway is set up to offer rides, games and other entertainment. There is also harness racing every day and lots of vendors and food.

Admission price (except for seniors on Thursday) is $5 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Children 12 and under are admitted free every day.

A full list of activities and schedules is available on the fair’s website at www.oxfordcountyfair.com.

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