Equine Ingenuity: Harness Racer's Unconventional Journey to the Fryeburg Fair

In a remarkable display of equestrian adaptability, Charlene Cushing, a seasoned harness racer, overcame a major traffic obstacle to ensure she made it to the starting line at the Fryeburg Fair. Faced with the prospect of missing her race, Cushing took matters into her own hands, saddling up her trusty steed, Lucky Michael, and riding the remaining miles to the fairgrounds, much to the delight of onlookers.

A Determined Rider's Unconventional Journey to the Racetrack

Navigating Traffic Challenges with Equine Assistance

Charlene Cushing, a professional harness racer, was determined not to miss her race at the Fryeburg Fair on Tuesday. Despite leaving an extra hour early from her home in Farmington, Maine, Cushing found herself stuck in a major traffic backup on the way to the fairgrounds. Worried that she would miss her 1:30 post time, Cushing made a bold decision – she saddled up her horse, Lucky Michael, and rode the remaining three-and-a-half miles to the fairgrounds.Cushing's quick thinking and equestrian expertise proved invaluable in this situation. As a seasoned rider, she was comfortable navigating her horse through the congested traffic, with onlookers marveling at the sight. "Everybody loved it. Everybody was taking pictures, videos. Some people rolled down their windows so the kids could see, and they were smiling and waving," Cushing recounted.

A Shared Camaraderie Among Harness Racers

Cushing's unconventional journey to the racetrack was not just a personal triumph, but also a testament to the tight-knit community of harness racers. Kirsi Bertolini, another racer who was stuck in the same traffic, witnessed Cushing's ride and was instantly uplifted by the sight."I see Charlene go past with the horse I knew was in the same race as our horse, and it just made me smile," Bertolini recalled. "The horse was just walking on the side of the trucks and cars. Very calm. And Charlene was waving and talking to people, and it went very well."This shared camaraderie among harness racers is a hallmark of the sport, as Bertolini explained, "We're all a big family in harness racing. We race together and we always cheer up each other. It's a lot of fun. A lot of work, but a lot of fun."

The Fryeburg Fair: A Cherished Tradition in the Harness Racing Community

The Fryeburg Fair holds a special place in the hearts of harness racers, and Cushing and Bertolini are no exception. They both spoke glowingly of the event, describing it as a "top-notch" affair that attracts enthusiasts from across the region."Fryeburg is the grand finale. There's always a huge crowd, which is awesome. There's so many people cheering in the grandstands, always. It doesn't matter what the weather is," Bertolini said, highlighting the unwavering support and excitement that the fair generates.Cushing echoed these sentiments, noting the diverse entertainment lineup that the fair offers, from country music stars like Josh Turner and Clint Black to the beloved Diamond Rio. "Fryeburg is top-notch. The amount of people that love this fair—they come in from every state; I know a lot of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York. They come from everywhere," she said.The Fryeburg Fair's enduring popularity and the camaraderie among harness racers are a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique equestrian event. As the races continue over the next two days, the spirit of determination and community that Cushing embodied will undoubtedly continue to shine through.