The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 28

America’s Longest-Running Fair
Organized in late 1818, the first of what
was to be an unbroken succession of 197
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 designation 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, it’s a
great family time together.
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