Carnival & Fair News

For the first time since its founding in 1851, Maine's Fryeburg Fair expanded to a nine-day run this year to celebrate its 175th anniversary.

The 2024 edition ran from Saturday, September 27 through October 6. Organizers reported nearly perfect weather with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Despite the sunshine and the added day, total attendance increased only slightly, rising to 171,363 visitors compared to 171,218 last year. Fair officials cited the current economy as one factor behind the modest increase.



Andrea Osgood, the fair's superintendent of ticket sales, said the fair exceeded the 2024 total by 145 tickets. She noted that the nine-day total was the second highest attendance figure in the past decade. Wednesday was a standout day, drawing 15,926 guests, thanks in part to a concert by popular country artist Chase Matthew, which filled the grandstands. Other musical performers included Breakin' Strings, Rek'-lis, an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute act, The Outlaws, Julia Cole, and a Journey tribute band.

Admission was priced at fifteen dollars and included free evening entertainment. Children twelve and under were admitted free. On September 30, Senior Citizens Day, guests aged sixty five and older were also admitted free. Weekly passes cost one hundred fifteen dollars.

Fair publicist Rachel Andrews Damon highlighted several special events including opening weekend fireworks and the annual Grand Livestock Parade, a narrated procession showcasing top livestock entries along with floats, bands, and antique cars.

A major crowd pleaser was a record breaking oxen pull by Connecticut competitor Mike Audet and his team, Mitch and Oscar, who pulled 18,200 pounds to the delight of spectators. Other new features included lawn mower races and a pedal tractor pull.

The fair introduced its new Agricultural Discovery Center, which offered displays on farming, gardening, and the role of agriculture in everyday life. The center also included an explorer themed scavenger hunt for children. The upgraded Garden Center featured a honeybee observation hive, culinary herb gardens, edible flowers, and raised beds.



Dreamland Amusements provided the carnival and debuted its Flash Dance ride, a rethemed Kolmax Break Dance attraction with spinning cars synchronized to energetic club music. Bob DeStefano described the ride as well made and very well received.

Other popular rides included the Dream Catcher, Super Himalaya, Pharaoh's Fury, Delusion, the Jumbos, Rock N Cars, the Wacky Worm coaster, the giant Ferris wheel, and the Super Slide. Wristbands ranged from $30 to $35 depending on the day, with a discounted $17.50 offer on the fair's first Saturday. Ten ride ticket packages were also available for $17.50.



A wide range of attractions filled the fairgrounds, including Sheep Dog Trials, Flower Shows, Duck Herding demonstrations, and numerous livestock competitions featuring cattle, horses, oxen, goats, swine, sheep, rabbits, and poultry. Hope Ricker, superintendent of Show Draft Horses, described Fryeburg Fair as the largest draft horse and pony show in Maine.

Long standing traditions such as Woodsmen's Field Day continued to draw strong participation. Competitors took part in more than twenty seven events including chopping, chainsawing, axe throwing, and tree felling. Additional contests included a Men's Keg Throw and a Women's Skillet Throw. Mechanical pulls for tractors, big rigs, and four by four trucks added more excitement. A new kids pedal tractor pull drew enthusiastic crowds.



The exhibition halls displayed baked goods, quilts, artwork, photography, and five competitive baking contests. Specialty food vendors offered everything from brick oven bread and barbecue sauces to Maine sea salt, maple syrup, and gourmet chocolates.

The Fair Museum opened a new addition featuring live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as loom weaving and spinning, a blacksmith shop, and antique tractor exhibits.

Food remained a major highlight for visitors. Fan favorites included funnel cakes, hot dogs, cotton candy, jumbo doughnuts, sausages, kabobs, pizza, milkshakes, blueberry crisps, chocolate covered apples, Dubai chocolate strawberry cups, cheese fries, fried seafood, corn dogs, turkey legs, and garlic pickle ranch pizza.



Known as Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic, the Fryeburg Fair's first nine day schedule did not produce a dramatic rise in attendance, but the fair maintained strong community support. The 175th anniversary offered a full slate of entertainment, agricultural showcases, and carnival fun that honored its long standing traditions while introducing exciting new features for guests of all ages.