Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic

Known as Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic, the Fryeburg Fair is an 8-day agricultural fair held on 185 acres in the Saco River Valley. The Fair is traditionally held the first week of October. Gates open at 7 a.m.

The Fryeburg Fair has been a grand event for more than 160 years! It offers a piece of Americana that you shouldn’t miss. What’s more fun than watching kids show their calves, men exclaim over horse pulling events and women compete in bake-offs. 

Other contests include the the pig scramble, the skillet toss, as well as scooting. A Firemen’s Muster begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The ever popular Woodsmen’s Day is Monday, October 4th. Events begin at 9:30 a.m. 

Roam the fairgrounds and you’ll find games, rides, music, exhibits, demonstrations, bright lights, brilliant colors and . . . fair food from popcorn and cotton candy to Italian sausage sandwiches smothered in peppers and onions! Can’t you just smell the carnival pizza? This is not the week to begin a diet.

The midway is a wonderland assortment of flashing lights, ringing bells and buzzing buzzers. Of course, no midway is complete without the Carnies shouting, “Step right up. Everybody’s a winner. Tons of prizes. Step right up.” 

A fairly recent addition is the  Garden Center. According to Roy Andrews, Fair President, “Johnny’s Selected Seeds from Albion, Maine, the largest Maine seed company, will be in the building.”

Nightly entertainment begins at 8 p.m. and features nationally known performers. There will be fireworks after the Thursday night show.

Parking is not an issue. You can either support local folks and organizations by parking on their lawns for a fee, or park at the fairgrounds for $5. 

Admission is $10 for adults, no charge on Tuesday for anyone ages 65 and older, and free every day for children under 12. So . . . this is your last chance to attend an agricultural fair in Maine this fair season. Come roam the fairgrounds and eat some foods that you normally wouldn’t eat. Visit the exhibit halls. Tour the museums. Marvel at the animals. Enjoy the people. Have fun.When you need a break, take a look at lakefront property in the area. Then you can enjoy the activities that take place at the fairgrounds all year long.