The Three Oldest Fairs in Maine Still Going Strong

Maine is a state full of traditions, like camping, shopping at L.L. Bean, and passing on your chowder recipes down the family line. Another coveted tradition in Maine is attending Maine fairs.

The agricultural fairs in Maine are practically ancient and have been providing New England families with memories that span centuries at this point.

While some trends come and go, fairs will never go out of style.

My very first fair was the Skowhegan Fair and I was completed shocked at the sheer size. I remember it was one of those late August nights, I must’ve been 8 or 9, still rocking Velcro sneakers. My mom gave my a few bucks to spend in the midway.

I spent 3 bucks trying to win a goldfish, which I did win, but here’s the thing, it was all so short lived because my little brother, decided to “help” by squeezing the bag, and killing the goldfish, “by mistake.” RIP Goldfish #1.

But, if you know me, I’m nothing but persistent so with the remaining few dollars my mom gave me, I went back to the midway and won another first. Goldy #2 was his name because I am a creative genius.

I brought him home and he lasted one whole week, living his best life in that glass bowl in my bedroom.

There is just something so magical about a Maine fair like the smell of the fried dough, sound of screaming on rides, all the pigs and sawdust.. It’s a tradition baby, and here in Maine, we don’t just do fairs.. we've practically like invented them.

So why don't we take a look at the three oldest and longest running fairs in Maine.