Fryeburg Fair's Early Start Sparks Maine Cumberland Fair Controversy

The Fryeburg Fair's decision to start a day early in 2025, overlapping with the Cumberland Fair's closing day, has caused significant controversy due to vendor conflicts and financial impacts. The Cumberland Fair, running for 153 years, has a rich agricultural and community tradition, contributing historically significant exhibits and events that draw large crowds. Fryeburg Fair, Maine's largest agricultural fair, offers extensive attractions including livestock exhibits, farm museums, and special events, drawing vendors who now face a choice between the two fairs. The overlap has led to more than a dozen vendors choosing Fryeburg, compelling Cumberland to replace about 30% of its profit-dependent vendors. Despite Cumberland's objections and efforts to prevent the early opening, the Maine Department of Agriculture indicated limited authority to enforce scheduling changes, allowing Fryeburg to operate unlicensed on the overlapping day. Both fairs continue to celebrate Maine's agricultural heritage but now face challenges balancing tradition, vendor support, and scheduling to maintain their unique community roles.