Sterling Strummers – From My Window

Each year the small Central Massachusetts town of Sterling, Massachusetts (population 8000) welcomes around 40,000 visitors to the Sterling Fair over a three day period. How fitting that each year the ukulele group I belong to, The Sterling Strummers, gives a concert there.

After the concert, I took some quick captures of the sights on my phone. The brightly colored billboards stood out against the clear blue sky, and later I learned a few things about fast food trends and classic old-fashioned ride decor, as well.

“Fair” warning: Many of the following photos are not for weight watchers!

Deep fried oreos were very popular. You can make them at home with or without a deep fryer.

No fair can be without a classic Ferris Wheel, originally designed as a monument to outshine the Eiffel Tower.

The Silly Symphony Swings are decorated with Venetian scenes, dating back to European designs.

The carousel has ornate jester faces, which have their roots in medieval tournaments and festivals. Decorations served to hide the mechanical work under the roof.

Dubai coffee, pizza, cannoli or candy apples? It’s all here in Sterling, Massachusetts.

Several months ago, I joined a ukulele group. We strum together each week, sharing songs from long ago right up to the present day. We also perform at local nursing homes, senior centers and town events. Our performances last summer included a Christmas in July celebration, a luau and a local town fair. It’s fun to see the smiles that ukulele music brings to the faces of our audiences. We also enjoy being part of the global resurgence of the ukulele’s popularity in the 21st century.

This affordable and portable instrument is capable of a wide range of styles and uses. Here, the ukulelist Cynthia Lin leads a simple Hawaiian rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow while hundreds play along. Here, virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro demonstrates the full capabilities of the ukulele with his rendition of of Bohemian Rhapsody.