Acton Fair Maine

by Glen
(New York)

My wife’s family lives in New Hampshire, and we always take great pleasure in going on day trips and exploring the local area when we visit.

Last year, we decided to venture out into Maine and we weren’t disappointed. We traveled all over, made the decision that at some point we’re going to live in Portland, and spent a day at Acton Fair, a Maine Agricultural Fair, one of the most bizarre and wonderful country fairs I’ve ever been to.

Acton is a cute little town in southwest Maine, but I doubt it would get much recognition without its annual fair. It has all of the usual things you would expect from a New England fair, like a simple roller coaster, Ferris wheel, blooming onion stands (deep fried onion wedges), fried dough and a hunting stall.

However, the thing that makes it stand out is the presence of 4 well trained llamas. Yes, llamas.

They are in amongst all the other livestock, though unlike all the other livestock, there are big signs saying not to touch them.

The fun gets better midway through the afternoon, when the oxen pull arena is cleared, and the llama fancy dress parade is announced. The four llamas are then presented one by one by their teenage handlers in a variety of fancy dress costumes, ranging from a dragon to Santa Claus.

It is one of the most bizarre scenes I’ve ever looked upon, and well worth traveling a few hours to see. Talking to the handlers after the show, I find that there is a proper reason for this amusing activity.

The llamas are obviously wild animals, and dressing them helps to build up the relationship between the handler and the llama. They are also intended to be work animals, and the costumes are carefully designed to mimic the feel of a harness. By getting the llama dressed as Santa Claus, it will become used to having items strapped and tied onto it.

We did typical fair things, until the llamas are then taken through an obstacle course race a few hours later on.

If you ever want a wonderful afternoon amongst friendly people watching the most bizarre sport imaginable, head to the Acton Fair in Maine in August.