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Monday, July 09, 2012
Harry Lewis had a dream:
To bring Maine horse clubs together for mutual benefit and gain. The expression of that dream became the Maine Equine Super Showdeo and  had its inaugural weekend last year.
Click here for article and video.
After a year to refresh, plan and draw sponsors, the MESS returned to the Topsham Fairgrounds with a vengeance.
About 250 horses and riders participated and 1,200 spectators came through the gates. Clubs sponsored demonstrations and competitions and Maine trainers – some with national reputations – gave short, affordable clinics.
Kudos to all involved, especially Lewis who was still moving in the “fog of total exhaustion” he said Monday.
The largely volunteer effort succeeded with the likes of Lisa and Rick Kennedy, Janice and Don Hill, Trudy Bickford, Brian and Amy Gordon, Jim Badger, Bill and Patty LeDoux. These folks put in many hours to prepare the fairgrounds and brand new arena situated on the fairgrounds infield.
Dennis Gallant of Country Fare Excavation of Bowdoin donated his services for work on the 140 by 240 foot arena, added Lewis. 
Next year, with assistance from generous sponsors, Lewis said the goal is to bring in cattle for penning and sorting events.
“It takes all year, but so many good things come out of it,” said Lewis, who added that the Maine Equine Welfare Alliance, Rockin’ T Equine Rescue, and the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals raised $300 in gate donations Friday.
“We had a great event. Everybody seemed happy and wants to come back…It’s only going to get bigger."
Mark your calendars: July 12-14, 2013.
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