Union Fair

Maine has a fantastic fair season with 25 licensed agricultural fairs throughout the state. Attending them all would take nearly four months as the first fair opens in June, and the last closes in October.

For the past two hundred years, the agricultural fairs have showcased some significant elements of Maine culture. Attending a fair is a great family activity as there is something of interest for all age groups. For many, going to the local fair is a tradition that has been carried out for generations.

For my 22nd visit to every municipality in the state, I headed to Union, Maine (not to be confused with Unity, Maine which is five towns over). Hands down, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a Maine fair. While on the fairgrounds, I created the following list of things to do. It is by no means comprehensive, but it’s a start!

17 Things You Can Do
At the Union Fair

1) Meet the Maine Wild Blueberry Queen

The Union Fair is not only an agricultural fair, but THE Maine Wild Blueberry Festival. You might know that this natural blue goodness is the state’s official berry, but did you hear that Maine grows over 90% of the country’s wild blueberries? The title of Maine Wild Blueberry Queen is awarded at the Union Fair each summer. The winner serves as that year’s ambassador of the state's wild blueberry industry.

2) Take in a steer and oxen show

In case there’s a Mainer reading this who doesn’t already know: steers are male bulls under four years of age; once they reach their fourth birthday, they graduate to the oxen category. These animals have been working in Maine fields and forests for a long time.

3) Watch the draft horse pulling competitions

Aside from the excitement of seeing which team wins, you’ll get a chance to admire the beauty of these large animals.

4) Let your kids try their hand at the dunk tank

5) Tour the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage

The Union Fair is unique in that a museum is housed on the grounds. It is FULL of things to see with over 10,000 items. If you don’t get to it all on the day you come to the fair, don’t worry — it’s open throughout much of the summer.

6) Lose yourself in a sea of orange

One wing of the Matthews Museum is home to the world's largest publicly displayed collection of MOXIE soda, originally called, “Moxie Nerve Food.” I’ve never seen so much orange color in one place. There’s no middle ground with Moxie. People love it or hate it. My tour guide, Scott Bernier, recounted a description by someone in the latter category. They said Moxie tastes like, “Carbonated Bengay!” Whatever your opinion on the beverage, this space is a must-see.

The 33’ Moxie Bottle House

7) Explore the 4-H exhibits

In addition to the items students submit for competition, the Union Fair has a great interactive display for children. A series of cabins provide a fun and educational walk-through experience.

8) Enjoy a concert

Maine children’s singer Rick Charette put on a great show for the little ones the day I visited. They loved dancing and jumping in front of the stage, and their parents and grandparents seemed to enjoy the shaded seating.

Rick Charette, always a favorite with the kids (and their parents)

9) Visit the animals

You can’t go to a Maine fair and not spend time in the stalls. But watch where you step, or you’ll be reliving the experience all the way home!

10) Eat some fair food

Let’s be clear. No one goes to the fair to find something healthy or budget-friendly to eat. Save your pennies throughout the year to splurge on your favorite sweet, salty, or fried snack. And don’t forget a beverage.

11) Enjoy the midway rides

If you are a fair newbie, please note that this activity should not directly follow #10!

12) Stroll through the exhibition halls

Mainers are creative and industrious. The fruits of their labors are on display during the fair.

13) Watch the demolition derby

If you’ve never seen one, it’s old cars crashing into each other. Typically, these are some of the most popular events at the fair. I’m not sure what conclusions we should draw from this reality, but moving on…😄

14) Enter the blueberry spitting contest

No description needed!

15) Experience a LAWN MOWER drag race

I stayed at the fair later than expected just to check out this event because there are some things you need to see to believe…

16) Chat with a fair volunteer

I’ve never found such helpful or friendly workers at a fair as I did in Union. Some of the trustees, including Matt Elwell, met with me to explain more of what it takes to put on a great fair. The Union Fair Society is made up of two dozen trustees — all volunteers. The organization owns the sixty acres of land which hosts the fair. The trustees begin work on the following year’s fair in the autumn months. The 20,000+ visitors might not realize how much work is invested to make their experience special, but they certainly reap the benefits.

17) Come back BEFORE the next fair

Events are held off-season to help generate support for the fair. These include an antique show, a flea market (it’s a strange term, but no fleas are knowingly exchanged!), a dog show, a car show, etc.

The Union Agricultural Fair and Maine Wild Blueberry Festival reflects so much of what I love about Maine. The community works hard and comes together to share a special tradition. Thanks for a great time, Union!

I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Check here to see if I’ve featured yours yet: All The Visits. To learn more about this adventure, see the about page.

This post was first published in 2019 and has been updated.