State fairs, music festivals, seafood festivals all contribute to the cultural fabric of the state of Maine. Fairs have been apart of Maine since the 1800s. One of the most fascinating attractions included in the fair were the livestock and concession stands. Of course over time and the modernization of Maine, state fairs and festivals have to compete with the Internet, modern plays and concerts. This phenomenon forced state fair and festival coordinators to integrate more modern attractions within the fabric of the fairs and festivals. Those modern attractions include rides, celebrity appearances, technological attractions, drag racing and two truck dragging races. Things have changed, but the core values of fun, food and community continue in Maine's fairs and festivals.
An annual celebration of fun and excitement during the month of August, the Northern Maine Fair provides youth and adults of all ages with entertainment and sights sure to capture the attention of every visitor. This particular fair lasts for nine days. As of 2010, the fair has been in existence for 154 years. Some of the attractions include demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, amusement park rides and a petting zoo. In addition to the fair, a musical festival showcases local musicians and well-known artists around the country. Musical genre include jazz, fiddle, gospel, blue grass and classical music.
Northern Maine Fairgrounds
84 Mechanic St.
Presyne Isle, ME 04769
northernmainefairgrounds.com
Festivals in the state of Maine really center around family, friends and community. The International Homecoming Festival is just that, a homecoming of the entire community to celebrate all that Maine has to offer to its residents. The festival actually started in 1974 as a three-day event. As of 2010, the festival has been extended to a 10-day event located in St. Stephens, Maine.
Festival events include the international pageants, musical concerts, wildlife refuge events, chocolate pudding wrestling, international strongman championship, worship services, international lumberjack championship, bikini contest and fireworks.
International Festival Committee
66 Hall Road
Old Ridge-New Brunswick, ME
internationalhomecomingfestival.com
Seafood, fun and music, all are some of the events that take place during the Main Lobster Festival during the month of August annually. Additional events include parades, international crafts, fine art, navy ship tours, coast guard station tours, cooking contests, kid races and the consumption of over 20,000 pounds of lobster. There is a $8 admissions fee for the entire event, as of August 2010.
Maine Lobster Festival
P.O. Box 552
Rochland, ME 04841
207-596-0376
mainelobsterfestival.com
This annual state fair offers a demolition derby, battle of the bands, entertainment, truck pulls, kiddie land, arts and crafts and farm exhibits. As of August 2010, the admission fee ranges from $4 to $8. The fee to ride on the kiddie land attractions ranges from $10 to $14.
Another integral part of this fair includes a 4-H club component that raises funds for worthy causes. For the year 2010, funds were raised to support Haitian children affected by the terrible earthquake.
Skowhegan State Fair
33 Constitution Ave.
P.O. Box 39
Skowhegan, ME 04976
202-474-2947
skowheganstatefair.com
