ADDISON COUNTY — The people who produced “How to Live to Be 100,” a documentary about the Three Day Stampede in Bristol, are set to premiere a new film about Addison County Fair and Field Days and the community that serves it.
“Addison: A Story of Vermont’s Largest Agricultural Fair and Community” will be screened this Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. at Middlebury Union High School auditorium, and will be available to watch online AddisonCountyFilm.com after Dec. 15. The documentary is another installment of the Heritage Automotive Group’s “More Love” community-based films, produced by Mt. Mansfield Media.
Field Days has maintained strong connections to agriculture and currently boasts the title of “Vermont’s Largest Agricultural Fair.”
“It’s something that brings this entire community together, once a year, for five days,” says 19-year-old Ethan Gevry, the narrator of the film.
Not surprisingly, the film includes 99-year-old Lucien Paquette, the founder of Field Days.
“I don’t know who will write my obituary, but I want them to communicate my love for people,” Paquette says in the film.
The producers of the film say that “Addison” takes an un-squinting look at the strength of community, the value of preserving our past, and pays tribute to the generations that came before us. In a media-crazed world, the film shows off life in a rural, agriculturally driven community where hard work, family and chores come before cell phones and video games. The county promotes a lifestyle that is connected to the land and the animals that provide their livelihood, and is representative of a strong community with strong values.
“We may not agree with everyone’s opinions but when you live in Addison County, you have a seat at the table and will be heard when you speak,” says one Field Days fairgoer.
“You can use the stereotype of red-neck if you want, but I think we’re really proud of that title,” adds Kenn Hastings.
Admission to Sunday’s screening is free, but the hosts will accept an optional donation.