The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 28
The longest-running fair
in the United States.
Organized in late 1818, the first of what was to
be an unbroken succession of 195 Skowhegan
fairs was held in January 1819 by the original
organization known as the Somerset Central
Agricultural Society. That name was used for
the event until 1942 when the official designa-
tion became the Skowhegan State Fair. While
no record is in existence of what the weather
was in January of 1819, it apparently wasn’t
a determining factor in the attendance as a
history of Skowhegan records that the fair
attracted the largest crowds to ever have
assembled in Somerset County.
The Skowhegan State Fair happens every
August and involves livestock competitions,
rides, treats, games and more. There is
nothing quite like a warm summer day at the
Skowhegan State Fair. So head to Skowhegan
while the State Fair is going on, you won’t
forget the great time you’ll have at the fair.
And you’ll be able to participate in the longest-
running state fair in existence! In this case,
you’ll get to have your cake and eat it, too — or
if nothing else, you’ll get to eat funnel cake!
Fairs are a great time for everyone, and if you
happen to have the kids with you, this is a
great way to spend family time together.
To learn more about fairs and
festivals throughout the region,
visit KennebecValley.org.
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Fairs ,
FESTIVALS
and Events