History: The first Skowhegan State Fair was held in January 1819 and has continued through wars, The Depression, and two pandemics without interruption. That first year, Maine was not even a state yet, it was still a part of Massachusetts. The current fairgrounds were acquired in 1856. Additional land has been added from time to time and in 2005 an additional lot on Beech Street was added. Harness racing has been a part of the fair since its earliest days and is still a big draw today. The widespread use of automobiles led to the fair developing from a 2 to 3-day affair to the 10 days it is today.
Month Held: The Skowhegan State Fair occurs every year in Mid-August and lasts for 10 days.
Attractions: Visitors come to enjoy harness racing, demolition derby, wrestling, agricultural exhibits, horse, truck, and tractor pulls, livestock shows, barrel racing, bingo, laser tag, Doodlebug pulls, live country, and classic rock music, and a DJ. Participate in a pie-eating contest, sack racing, pig scramble, magic shows, antique power shows, oxen pulling, youth market shows, flower exhibits, children's barnyard, crafters corner, arts and crafts, photography exhibits, games of chance, and so much more. Rides for adults, children, and families are available, as are all your favorite fair foods, including cotton candy, fried dough, candy apples, corn dogs, sno-cones, fresh lemonade, sausage and fries, and lots more. All shows are free with general admission. Ride bracelets are on sale every day. Check their website for the cost. It depends on what day of the week you are planning to visit..
Admission: You have two pass options. You can buy a season pass or a racing pass. Both of them can be purchased with or without parking. You may also buy a single day ticket and many of them are special days that offer a discount. General day admission for adults is $11 and $5 for children. There are also discounts for members of the military and seniors. Adults are considered those 11 years and older. The season pass is $75 without parking and $125 with parking. The race pass is $35 without parking and $75 with parking. Passes are offered at a discount if purchased before January 1.
Parking: On site parking is available for $5 a day and it can be included with your season pass. You may also rent one of the camping spaces if you want to stay right on the fairgrounds.
