History: The Fryeburg Fair was incorporated in 1851 and included 10 Maine towns. In 1888 five New Hampshire towns were added and a 6th in 1906. It moved to its present location in 1885 and has more than 180 acres and about 100 buildings.
Month Held: The Fryeburg Fair takes place for 8 days in early October every year.
Attractions: Since it is an agricultural fair, you can expect to see all types of farm animals. More than 3000 will be located on the fairgrounds. This includes draft horses, oxen, alpacas and llamas, sheep, steers, cows, calves, rabbits, goats, poultry, and swine. They will be shown as well as be part of the entertainment in the form of ox, steer and horse draws and pig and calf scrambles. Sheepdog trials take place on the first Sunday.
The Firemen's Muster also takes place on Sunday and includes members of area fire departments competing in a bucket brigade, wet hose, dry hose, and ball squirt contests.
Monday is Woodmen's Day and the competitions center around things like buck-sawing, chain-sawing, and tree-sawing. Monday is also the day for the ladies to compete in the skillet throwing contest and the men in the anvil throwing contest.
Five permanent stages offer more than 100 acts over the eight days of the fair.
The midway has more than 30 rides, thrilling rides, family rides, and riddle rides, something for everyone. Included are Super Himalaya, the Dreamcatcher, the Zipper, and Starship. There will be a 93-foot-long Wacky Worm Rollercoaster in Kiddie Land. Also, games of chance and, of course, lots of fair food favorites.
The Grand Parade takes place on Saturday at 10 am at the track. Prizes will be awarded in many categories.
Pulls will also be scheduled for trucks and tractors. See the fair book for days and times. Don't forget the six days of harness racing'
Visit the Farm Museum, the Little Red School House, the Natural Resources Center, the History Hall, the Craft Center, and the agricultural center. Enjoy the baking contests, gardening, quilting, and woodworking exhibits.
Specialty Foods are a big attraction and include gourmet chocolate, freshly baked bread, artisan butter, Maine sea salt, honey, maple syrup, jams, and jellies.
Admission:
- Daily admission for adults is $15
- A weekly bracelet is $100
- Children under 12 are free.
- Tuesday is senior citizens day and those 65 and older are free.
Camping: If you want to be right in the middle of the action, you can camp on the fairgrounds. The rates are $39-59 per night, depending on the amount of amps your camper uses. Water hookups and electricity are included. No tents are allowed.
Parking:
- Parking on Grounds - $5.00
- Premium Parking on Grounds - $10.00
