Maine is known for its charming towns, stunning coastlines, and, perhaps surprisingly, its agricultural fairs. If you’re looking for one of the best, Fryeburg Fair is where you want to be. Nestled in the mountains of Western Maine, this iconic event has been a staple of the local community since 1851. But Fryeburg Fair isn’t just your average county fair—it’s an experience steeped in history and tradition, drawing crowds from all over New England each October.
The fair truly offers something for everyone: livestock shows, harness racing, horse pulling, antique farm equipment displays, forestry demonstrations, horticultural contests, a petting zoo, agricultural vendors, live music, amusement rides, and food stands—lots of food stands. For me, someone who loves diving into history, the Fryeburg Fair offers a glimpse into Maine’s agricultural past and the tough lives of its early farmers. Layla, on the other hand, is all about the animals. Together, we dive into a day that’s the perfect mix of history, entertainment, and mouthwatering food.
As a history buff, one of my favorite parts of the fair is the antique farm and forestry equipment displays. Every year, I’m in awe of the grit and resilience of the farmers who settled in this rugged part of Maine. Western Maine’s mountainous terrain and harsh winters must have made farming a monumental challenge. Isolated and far from urban centers, early farmers had to rely on ingenuity, brute strength, and community to survive.
The antique equipment on display at Fryeburg Fair offers a tangible connection to that era. It’s easy to forget how much modern farming has evolved, but seeing those old plows, seeders, and hand tools brings it all back. You can almost picture a time when these tools were state-of-the-art, helping people carve out lives in the unforgiving Maine wilderness.
The live demonstrations are a highlight for me—cooking with old-fashioned methods, broom-making, metalsmithing, and more. It’s like stepping back in time to witness the craftsmanship and skills that were essential to daily life in those days. Watching someone bake bread or forge iron tools by hand reminds me of how deeply connected early Mainers were to the land, and how they created everything they needed with their own two hands.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, Fryeburg Fair has plenty of amusement rides. From Ferris wheels to dizzying spins, there’s no shortage of options. But personally, I’ve never been a fan of fair rides. Something about the quick assembly and disassembly of these towering attractions makes me uneasy. For those braver than me, though, the fair offers bracelets for unlimited rides—a great deal if you’re in it for the long haul.
Carnival games are another staple, but I tend to steer clear of those as well. I never seem to have any luck, and the idea of tossing rings or shooting water guns for a stuffed animal that’ll likely be forgotten by the end of the day doesn’t appeal to me. That said, when Layla was little, we always played the rubber duck game. Every kid won a prize, no matter what, and those cheesy trinkets brought endless joy, even if they ended up collecting dust later.
Layla’s favorite part of the fair has always been the animals, and I totally get it. The barns are packed with cows, sheep, goats, and horses, and it’s such a treat to walk through and meet these farm animals up close. Layla is a horse lover through and through, while I’ve always had a soft spot for ducks and sheep. There’s something so calming about watching them, especially knowing they’re the heart and soul of the agricultural tradition the fair celebrates.
Layla also has a soft spot for goats, and we both enjoyed watching the baby goats play in their treehouse. Thankfully, now that Layla’s older, I don’t have to hear her beg for a bunny every time we walk through the bunny hall! Still, the animal barns are her happy place.
One thing I noticed, though, is how many people bring food into the barns. As much as I love the animals, eating fries with “cow hands”? That’s where I draw the line. Petting animals and eating simultaneously is definitely not my thing—hygiene is key here, folks!
While wandering the horse barns, we had an interesting conversation with a farmer who explained why the horses had their manes cut short. It turns out the short cut prevents the horses’ hair from getting caught in the harnesses during pulling events. A small detail, but one that shows how much care goes into preparing these beautiful animals for competition.
Fryeburg Fair is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship. One of our favorite things to do is stroll through the vendor booths, checking out the handmade goods from local artisans. Whether it’s jewelry, pottery, woodworking, or textiles, there’s always something unique to discover.
This year, I picked up some soap from Nia’s Naturals—a local soap maker whose products are not only beautifully crafted but also eco-friendly and gentle on the skin. I also couldn’t resist a quirky poop bag holder for Miles and Neptune.
Layla found a Taylor Swift-inspired keychain and a funny cat sticker from The Makers Bazaar. There were plenty of other Taylor Swift stickers and keychains, but she wisely stuck to just one of each (though I suspect her wallet might be in danger soon, thanks to the vendor’s website!). She also snagged some seriously amazing hot sauce from Miracle Mary’s Cooking—Rich’s Ghost Pepper Hellfire Smoke Hot Sauce. Layla loves all things spicy, and after trying it, she was hooked. The owners clearly know their stuff, focusing on flavor, not just heat. After sampling a few, she settled on the ghost pepper, their hottest offering.
There’s something special about supporting local creators, especially when you know the effort and skill that goes into their work. Plus, it’s fun to bring home a little piece of Maine craftsmanship that will remind us of the fair long after it’s over.
Now, let’s talk about my favorite part of the fair: the food! Navigating fair food with gluten sensitivities can be tricky, but Fryeburg Fair surprised me with several gluten-free options.
First, I was thrilled to find a snow cone stand. There’s something about snow cones that makes me feel like a kid again. When we went to Boston earlier this year for a Red Sox game, I searched the entire stadium for snow cones and came up empty. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found one at the fair—it was sweet, refreshing, and exactly what I needed.
Layla, however, is all about Steve’s French Fries. As a bit of a French fry snob, I can say that Steve’s does not disappoint. They only serve fries, so there’s no risk of cross-contamination, and they’ve perfected the art of crispy, golden fries that hit the spot. Bonus points for offering spray bottles of vinegar at the ready—and not charging extra for cheese or gravy, which is a big plus at the fair.
If you’re craving lemonade, skip the generic stands and head over by the racetrack, where you’ll find the best lemonade in the fair. Layla swears by it—it’s literally right next to the racetrack, by the grandstand, and they also sell caramel corn. That’s how you know you’re in the right spot!
And the highlight of my food adventures? Tripps Food Truck, a dedicated gluten-free food truck at the fair! Their menu includes everything from chicken fingers to fried Oreos, and even a gluten-free blooming onion. I may have gone a little overboard, but how often do you find gluten-free fair food this good? Everything was delicious, and those fried Oreos will be in my dreams until next year… except we’re not coming back next year.
By the end of the day, our bellies were full, our feet were tired, and our hearts were a little heavier. Fryeburg Fair has been a tradition for us, something we’ve eagerly anticipated every fall. But this year was bittersweet. As we packed up to leave, Layla noticed a sign that read, “See you in 2025,” and got a little teary-eyed. It hit us both that, for the first time in years, we won’t be coming back next fall. Instead, we’ll be somewhere new, likely Oregon, exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest as we continue our cross-country adventure.
Fryeburg Fair isn’t just a day at the fair—it’s a tradition, a place where we’ve shared countless laughs, meals, and memories. And while our journey will take us far from Maine next year, the experiences we’ve had here will always be a part of our story. Until we return, we’ll be exploring new places, creating new traditions, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll find a fair that reminds us of home. But no matter where the road takes us, Fryeburg Fair will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Travel Turtles 