Fryeburg Fair
NicknameMaine's Blue Ribbon Classic
StatusActive
GenreAgricultural show
FrequencyAnnual
VenueFryeburg Fairgrounds
Inaugurated1851
Attendance165,000
Organised byWest Oxford Agricultural Society
Websitefryeburgfair.org

The Fryeburg Fair is a large agricultural fair held annually in Fryeburg in the U.S. state of Maine. The fair was first held in March 1851, and in subsequent years has grown to become the state's largest agricultural fair.[1]

The Fryeburg Fair features livestock shows, harness racing, horse pulling, antique farm and forestry equipment displays and demonstrations, horticultural and culinary contests and displays, a petting zoo, agricultural vendor displays, live musical acts, amusement rides, and food stands. The fair, held over an eight-day period in early October, attracted over 166,000 paid attendees in 2013.[1] A 2016 study showed that the Fryeburg Fair generates more than$18 million in annual spending and $1.2 million in tax revenue.[2]

History

The fair was first organized in 1851 by the West Oxford Agricultural Society, which comprised farmers from ten towns in western Maine. It began in Hiram, Maine, and moved between several towns before settling on a location in Fryeburg, eventually locating at its present site in 1885.[3][4]

The fair was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[5] In 2021, the fair hosted a vaccination clinic as part of its festivities.[6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Bennett, Troy R. (October 5, 2014). "From steer to horses, farm animals are heart of the Fryeburg Fair". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
  2. ↑ "Study shows impact of Fryeburg Fair | The Bridgton News". 2016-10-01. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  3. ↑ "The history of Maine's Fall Blue Ribbon Classic". The Conway Daily Sun. 2020-10-02. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  4. ↑ Owen, Joseph (2020-06-03). "On this date in Maine history: June 3". Press Herald. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  5. ↑ "2020 Fryeburg Fair canceled due to coronavirus, COVID-19". newscentermaine.com. June 1, 2020. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
  6. ↑ "Maine fair season draws to a close with Fryeburg finale". WABI. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2023-09-25.
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