BUCKFIELD – At next week’s Fryeburg Fair, one may pass Uncle Sam on stilts.

…or a one-man band.

…or a magician.

…or a hand shadow performer.

…or some other wacky act.

…or simply a guitarist.

They may appear to be separate talents, but it’s really just Rick Adam wearing many different hats.

The 53-year-old Buckfield man makes a living by performing in a variety of venues – from fairs to schools to Bruce Springsteen’s living room.

Next week the Providence, R.I., native will perform several shows at the Fryeburg Fair. He’ll also spend ample time doing roving entertainment around the fairgrounds.

On Sunday and Monday, Adam will be at the fair’s Old McDonald Farm performing shows consisting of juggling, magic and songs. He also has some “old timey” stuff planned, including a special one-man band with a washboard and tin cans.

Sometimes he will claim the persona Professor Paddy-Whack, which he said he names himself when he’s wandering around performing – often on stilts.

He said one of his favorite acts is him acting out the Mad Hatter tea party scene from Alice in Wonderland on stilts. He wears an inflatable rabbit, holds a mirror with Alice’s picture and wears the Mad Hatter hat.

When people see him they stop and gawk, Adam said.

“Sometimes they can’t figure it out,” he added.

Adam got his start as a performer as a singer/songwriter 35 years ago. He then wanted to add movement to his act, so he started studying theater.

He moved to Maine to study under Tony Montanaro, a mime artist, director and teacher from Casco. He later joined a company of performing mimes. That’s where his circus skills started to develop.

“It all has evolved over the last 30 years,” Adam said.

Adam performs shows with social awareness themes in schools. Some of his educational acts are Red’s Recycle-O-Rama, Be Cool, Be Safe and A Journey Through Addiction.

He has also earned a national reputation. He was the headliner at Dr. Seuss’ Centennial Birthday celebration.

He said the best part of his performances is seeing the different reactions, and meeting people along the way.

“It’s always exciting for me…” Adam said. “I get to meet people and become friends instantly.”

Most of his friends are just as wacky as he is, Adam said.

“If anybody survives their first winter in Maine they’re bound to be a little wacky,” he joked.