History: The First Houlton Agricultural Fair was held in 1847. Harness racing quickly became an important part of this fair and many others in Maine. In the early days, it was a fall fair coinciding with harvest time in Aroostook County. After the Great Depression, the fairgrounds had irregular activities and horse races. In 1989, The Houlton Agricultural Fair as we know it today was born and has run every year since.
Month Held: The Houlton Agricultural Fair takes place every year on the 4th of July weekend at Houlton's Community Park.
Attractions: The Exhibition Hall is home to a variety of good competitions, including the baked bean contest, potato salad contest, dinner roll contest, Chili contest, Houlton Farms Dairy Baking Contest, blueberry contest, apple pie baking contest, woopie pie cooking contest, red, white, and blue dessert recipe contest, fudge contest, and maple syrup creation contest. You can see exhibits of canned and garden goods, youth welding competitions, tie-dyed T-shirts, woodworking, artwork, photography, needlework and rethink junk, just to mention a few. Rock painting for all ages will be offered.
Demonstrations are a popular attraction and young people are encouraged to participate. Many of the demonstrations teach crafts and other practical skills.
The donut-eating contest, egg toss, hula hoop competition, 3-legged race, potato sack race, kids pie eating contest, lemonade chugging, and egg and spoon race all take place on the little league field.
Livestock shows are abundant, including draft horses, sheep, goats, dairy, beef cattle, and market hogs. A hog auction is also included.
Other attractions include antique tractor pulls, demolition derby, mud runs, and the fair ends with a fireworks display. In between, enjoy the rides, live entertainment, and lots of fair food favorites.
Admission: Admission is $10 with ride tickets additional.
Parking: Parking is free on the fairgrounds.
