1 min read

One of the best things about fall in Maine are its many agricultural fairs.

From pig scrambles to frying pan tosses, fall fairs offer something for everyone. Some have midways with carnival rides, and most feature huge amounts of entertainment, livestock events, food and much more.

Here’s a look back at some of the state’s biggest fall fairs.

Preparations for the opening of the Fryeburg Fair were underway in October 1992, with area farmers washing and grooming their animals prior to the competitions. (John Ewing/Staff Photographer)
A line of traffic clogs Route 17 in 1996 as Common Ground Country Fair goers make their way to the fair which was then held in Unity. (David A. Rodgers/Staff Photographer)
A good-looking pair of mules relax after pulling competitions at the 1999 Common Ground Country Fair in Unity. The duo were bathed and fed a meal of fresh hay for their efforts. (John Ewing/Staff Photographer)
Harness racing gets underway at the 1998 Cumberland Fair. (Herb Swanson/Staff Photographer)
A crowd gathers to view the impressive array of giant pumpkins at the 2004 Cumberland Fair. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer)
Fans watch harness racing from an old wooden grandstand during the 2005 Farmington Fair. (Jack Milton/Staff Photographer)

Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town...

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.