Fryeburg Fair, Maine 2012

In 1851, farmers and merchants gathered in a small town in the southwest corner of Maine to show off their produce, cattle, and wares. Over one-hundred-fifty years later, at the Fryeburg, Maine Fair...

...they are still doing the same, having made this the largest agricultural fair in Maine and one of the most notable agricultural events in North America.

However, today's exhibitors at the Fryeburg Fair in Maine are accompanied by much more than a few cows and some simple crafts.

They arrive at the 180 acre fairgrounds with over 3,000 horses, goats, llamas, poultry, rabbits, sheep swine, oxen and steer.

And the juried craftsman and artists amongst them bring an assortment of...

...baskets, jewelry, woodwork, candles, sculpted metal, paintings, and beautiful glass creations...

...all of which have been made in the State of Maine. or within the West Oxford Agricultural Society - a grouping of several Maine towns and a few towns from bordering New Hampshire.

When is the 2012 Fryeburg Fair?
According to the Fryeburg Fair Association, the 2012 Fryeburg, Maine Fair schedule runs from Sunday, September 30th through the Sunday, October 7th.

Where are the best places to stay in Fryeburg, ME?

Read travelers reviews and suggestions for Fryeburg, Maine hotels, or find out where to rent a Fryeburg, Maine vacation home.

When is Woodsmen's Day at the Fryeburg Fair 2012?
The 2011 Fryeburg Fair Woodsmen's Day was on Monday, October 3rd, beginning at 9:30 AM. The date for the Fryeburg Fair 2012 Woodsmen Day is to be announced.

What is the 2012 Fryeburg Fair admission price?
General admission was $10 for the Fryeburg Fair 2011, which included night shows. Children under 12 were free. If you were 65 or over, Senior Citizen Day was Tuesday and was free admission. Fair cost for 2012 will likely be similar, but is not yet available.

Fryeburg Fair, Maine Events

How can you NOT go to the Fryeburg Fair - otherwise known as Fryeburg Fair, Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic?

With a calf scramble, a fireman's muster, a 4x4 pull, sheep dog trials, shuffleboard, a skillet throw, a pig scramble, a tractor pull, and a Grand Parade on Saturday, how can you resist!

And that's not all...

According to the Fryeburg Fair Association more free entertainment is provided at this fair than at any other agricultural fair in the world. And with five stages for live entertainment there is a good chance you will find something of interest.

Although the Official Entertainment Brochure, found at the information booths at the front and back gates, contains program information, weather conditions may affect schedules. If so, changes are noted on posters placed throughout the fairgrounds.

And if you still have time...

...you can visit the Agricultural Center, the Fiber Center, the Natural Resource Center, the Milking Parlor, the Swine Barn, the History Hall, the Farm Museum, and step back in time at the Horse Drawn Wagon Display.

Or you can...

...catch afternoon harness racing, or on Woodsmen Day watch contestants compete for a prize in chain sawing, tree falling, buck sawing, and wood chopping.

And like all great fairs, the Fryeburg Fair, Maine has its Midway (and an additional Children's Midway), filled with plenty of rides and games, as well as traditional "fair food" and the not so traditional!

When was the last time you went to a country fair that served fried clams, Maine lobster and Maine blueberry cobbleer?

Directions to the Fryeburg Fair...
The Fryeburg Fair Maine is held at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, located on Route 5, in Fryeburg, Maine, three-quarters of a mile from the Route 302 intersection. The GPS locater is 1154 Main Street, Fryeburg, ME.

Fryeburg Fair parking...
Parking on the fairgrounds is allowed on days when there are no events on the infield. Additionally, on Route 5, you will find dozens of private home owners who offer parking (some even provide restrooms!). When I visited the fair, depending on location mid-week parking cost was $5 to $10. On heavy traffic days parking away from the fairground's entrance typically means a quicker exit. Will you need RV Parking at Fryeburg Fair?

Fryeburg Maine Lodging

An easy drive from the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, both in Maine and New Hampshire, are a number of lodging accommodations.

You will find lots of welcoming motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and cottages, as well as several options for camping in Fryeburg, ME...

...welcoming hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and cottages, as well as several options for camping in Fryeburg, ME...

...including RV campgrounds in Fryeburg that are adjacent to the Fairgrounds.

However, plan ahead!

The Fryeburg Fair is held during the peak of the New England foliage season (usually late September to mid-October) and is typically an extremely busy time of year for hotels, motels, inns and B&B's.

The influx of people visiting Fryeburg, Maine for the fair makes it much more necessary to book a room in advance.

Enjoy your visit, and please, while you are at the Fryeburg Fair, Maine have an Italian sausage smothered with pepper and onions for me!