Union Fair
Union Fair
WHERE
Union Fairgrounds, Union, ME
WHEN
Held annually, third weekend in August.
Union Fair - Union, Maine
The Union Fair bills itself as “A Real Maine Agricultural Fair.” The fair, which takes place for one week every year in August, offers educational and fun activities and entertainment for all age groups. Admire the animals, feast on wild blueberries, explore the midway, and enjoy the live entertainment.
The traditional farm parade boasts a variety of floats and vehicles. Expect an antique tractor followed by a local marching band, followed by a child leading a cow. There is also a children’s parade which features decorated bicycles and kids in costumes.
The fair is a major hub of 4-H activity. Members of 4-H show off what they’ve learned by showing their animals. There are beef shows, dairy shows, dairy goat shows, horse shoes, rabbit shows, sheep shows, working steer shows, and even small domestic animal shows.
The Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage is open daily during the fair days. The Matthews Museum features 18th century home and farm implements. A special section of the museum honors Dr. Augustin Thompson, who invented Moxie in 1885. In 1885, Moxie was a patented medicine called Moxie Nerve Food, and now, after a few formula changes, Moxie is Maine’s official soft drink. It is still thought to calm the nerves.
The Union Fair is also home to the State of Maine Wild Blueberry Festival. Visit Wild Blueberry Corner throughout the week to learn about Maine’s official state berry. Watch a video about cultivating and harvesting the blueberry. Take home free informational brochures, recipes, and cooking tips. On Friday of fair week, food samples, balloons, posters, and shirts will be given away to lucky winners! At The Wild Blueberry Hut, you can treat yourself to a variety of blueberry treats: muffins, pasties, and of course, the Maine staple: Wild Blueberry Pie.
