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SPENCER – The Board of Selectmen held off granting an entertainment license to the Spencer Agricultural Association for the Spencer Fair until members receive plans to alleviate parking and traffic problems at the event.
The Spencer Fair, scheduled on September 3 through September 7, takes place at the Spencer Fairgrounds on 48 Smithville Road.
Last year, police quickly had to abandon a new traffic pattern, which failed, in part, because of GPS instructions being used rather than adherence to signage and directives, according to Police Chief Michael Befford at the time.
Lack of parking is another issue, with the event last year attracting a high of 17,000 attendees on the Sunday with spaces to serve 4,000. In 2025, attendance was 15,000 on Saturday and 9,000 on Monday.
Difficulty in attracting mutual aid for traffic details was also discussed last year in the aftermath of gridlock and disappointed visitors being turned away.
On July 27, Selectmen vice chair Jonathan Viner suggested the board table the license request until it receives “a lot more information about our concerns being addressed.”
Town Administrator Jeff Bridges said with the next scheduled meeting is at the end of August, meaning selectmen would need an interim meeting if there is a delay.
Chair Gary Woodbury said his concern is the number of vehicles and how to shut off parking when lots are full.
He said getting plans is critical because otherwise the town would “be in the same boat,” as last year.
Viner said the board should have received information months ago, considering “it’s been a year in the making…We haven’t seen anything more than a year ago. Nothing was done or brought in front of us.”
A motion to approve the entertainment license contingent on agreeable traffic and parking plans failed to receive a second. Therefore, it was rescinded and Selectmen urged Bridges to get in touch with the Agriculture Association and police department to set something up.
“It should have happened before now,” Viner added.
The board did approve a request from Daniel Hayes for an entertainment license and Sunday entertainment license for a motorcycle show and swap meet at the Spencer Fairgrounds on September 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also approved for Cedric Daniel was a one-day wines and malt beverages license for an Oktoberfest event on Sept. 19 at the fairgrounds. The request made by Cedric Daniel also sought wines and malt beverages licenses for the Spencer Fair dates. (The board noted the Fair dates’ approval is contingent on the parking and traffic issues getting addressed).
Rapscallion Brewery also got the go ahead for an entertainment license for the Oktoberfest event, including a farmers’ market, malt and wine beverages, live music and yard games.
Lieutenant, sergeant sworn in
In unrelated business, the police chief introduced newly promoted department personnel: Sergeant Todd Laporte and Lieutenant Patrick Waugh.
State. Rep. John Marsi, Rep. Donnie Berthiume Jr. and State Sen. Peter Durant presented Commonwealth of Massachusetts citations. Following a swearing in ceremony, they were joined by colleagues, friends and family members at a reception in the Great Hall.
The legislators also presented the town with a framed reproduction of the Declaration of Independence in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. Board of Selectmen chair Gary Woodbury accepted the gift on behalf of the town. It will be displayed at Town Hall.