FRYEBURG — In just a few days, Maine’s largest agricultural fair will open, marking the beginning of the end of the 2015 agricultural fair season in the state.
About 300,000 people are expected to attend the Fryeburg Fair throughout the week, starting Sunday, Oct. 4, and running through Sunday, Oct. 11. Park organizers say Saturday is traditionally the busiest day of the week, and they recommend visitors on that day plan extra time for travel.
Gates are to open each day at 7 a.m. and buildings are to open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The fair features more than 3,000 animals, various agricultural exhibits and contests, a farm museum, crafters, live entertainment daily, six days of harness racing, a midway, vendors, games and food. It’s all spread out on 180 acres of fairgrounds just north of the village on Route 5.
Opening day begins with a church service at Hayseed Theater, followed by a firemen’s muster and a full day of animal showings. Goats, horses, oxen, sheep, pigs, rabbits, poultry, dogs and even llamas will be shown. Harness racing begins Tuesday and runs the remainder of fair week.
In the tradition of old country fairs, various competitions are held throughout the week that allow people to show off their skills while providing spectators a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. Favorite fair competitions include the skillet throw and Woodmen’s Field Day, both on Monday.
This year, the fair welcomes more than 200 musicians and entertainers, featuring local and national country music performers as headlining acts during the evenings.
Headlining night shows are Sharon Hood and Dixon Road on Monday, “The Voice” Season 7 winner Craig Wayne Boyd on Tuesday, Cam on Wednesday, country music star Clint Black on Thursday, Mo Pitney on Friday, and Resurrection: A Journey Tribute, on Saturday.
On Saturday morning, one of the most popular events of the fair takes place at the track, and it’s not racing. The fair’s annual grand parade invites all prize-winning animals and exhibitors to strut their stuff in one last hurrah, parading around the racetrack for an opportunity to win a cash prize.
Fairgoers can enjoy the antique tractor displays, the farm museum, the garden center or history hall, where they can learn about how the Fryeburg Fair first started in 1851 and then grew to the event it is today. A children’s favorite is the petting zoo, as well as rides, rides and more rides on the midway.
Despite the fact that there is almost as much to do inside and under cover at the fair as there is outside, interested attendees are watching the weather closely as they make their plans to visit the Fryeburg Fair. A tropical storm is tracking up the East Coast and might impact the early part of fair week.
If cover is needed, there are 100 permanent buildings, including restroom facilities, animal barns and exhibit halls, on the fairgrounds. There is also on-grounds camping available for up to 3,000 campsites.
The cost of admission is $10 per person, free for those 65 and older on Tuesday, and free daily for children under 12. A $65 weeklong pass is also available.
Admission includes access to all events and entertainment; rides cost extra. General fair parking is $5 and premium parking is $10.
mjerkins@sunmediagroup.net
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