166th Annual Fryeburg Fair: October 2-9, 2016

Fryeburg Fair, established in 1851, will host its 166th annual eight day fair October 2-9 in Fryeburg, Maine.  As always Fryeburg Fair, considered to be one of the best agricultural fairs in the U.S. offers non-stop livestock, agriculture and farming exhibitions with over 3,000 head of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs, poultry, rabbits, oxen and more.

The Fair’s Woodsmen’s Field Day on Monday, October 3, is the largest spectator woodsmens event in North America.  Contestants come from all over the U.S. and Canada to compete in over 34 woods skills events such as log-rolling, axe throwing, standing block chop, tree felling, skidder driving and log loading.

Fair highlights include horse and ox pulling, draft horse tandem hitches up to eight, calf and pig scrambles, cooking contests, flower shows, exhibition halls of crafts, handiwork, photos, art, forest and wood products; a full museum of old farm equipment and memorabilia with live demonstrations; the “Little Red Schoolhouse” built in 1835; the milking parlor, firemen’s musters, sheepdog trials, tractor pulling, 4WD pulls and pari-mutuel harness racing on the Fair’s half-mile track.  The Fair’s Specialty Foods Pavillion offers innovative food products made with local farm ingredients.  The Expo Center features 9,000 square feet of commercial exhibits.

On Monday, October 3rd after the very popular Skillet Toss (for women only!) we will give equal time to the men and host our first annual Anvil Throw.  Open to all men of all ages, entrants should register at the Secretary’s Office or Livestock Office by 10:30 a.m. that day.  The Anvil Throw begins at 1:30.

Lots of action in our goat area.  Superintendent Paul Hopkins reports that goat entries are up 25%.  “We expect to show around 300 this year.  Exhibitors love to come to Fryeburg Fair and our prize money is the best in the state.  Our judges are exceptionally good and they also love this fair.  The popularity of the Nigerian Dwarf breed continues to increase and they will be shown in their own category for the first time.”

Fryeburg Fair makes improvements to their buildings and grounds each year.  David Andrews, Fryeburg Fair General Superintendent reports, “This year we’ve added a new exercise ring for show horses and draft ponies and a tie-up area for cattle. Barn 6 has been completely replaced.  Last year we purchased 11.5 additional acres and have been busy clearing that for opening this year. This additional land means over 200 new campsites mostly for exhibitors.  This opens up more inside space.  And lastly we’ll be rolling out the biggest and best new bathroom building ever at Fryeburg Fair.  It’s located at our Swan’s Falls Gate.  This will benefit the people that park downtown or off site.”

Along with daily entertainment starting at 9 a.m. in the Fair’s six parks, these talented musicians and performers play and perform until the Fair’s signature Night Shows begin at 8 pm at the Grandstand.  This year’s Night Show lineup – Monday night – The Mallett Brothers (Rock); Tuesday night – Sam Bush (Bluegrass); Wednesday night – Recycled Percussion (Rock); Thursday night – Brothers Osborne (Country); Friday night – Laura Bell Bundy (Country) and Saturday night – Krazy Jake (Maine Comedy).  The annual Fireworks show is Friday night at 9 p.m. right after the Night Show ends.  Saturday’s 10 a.m. Grand Parade is two hours of Fryeburg Fair’s best on display. The Fair is known for the best French fries made with just harvested Maine potatoes, along with an incredible variety of food choices for every palate!

Camping at Fryeburg Fair is very popular and always fun with over 3,000 campsites.  Contact the Fair for rates and availability.

General Admission is $10 daily and includes the 8 pm Night Show.  Children under 12 are always free.  Tuesday is Senior Citizen’s Day (65 & over are admitted free).  Gates open at 7 am.  Harness Racing starts at 1:30 Tuesday thru Sunday.  Group sales of admissions tickets with a minimum purchase of 20 tickets can be purchased at the Fair office beginning on September 1st at a reduced rate of $9 per ticket.  Fair Office Hours for advanced ticket purchase are Monday thru Friday 9-3.  For further information on Fryeburg Fair, go to www.fryeburgfair.org or email info@fryeburgfair.org or call the Fair Office at (207) 935-3268.

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