Skowhegan State Fair Later this Month, Minus the Rides

A modified Skowhegan State Fair will be held later this month, offering no rides, but plenty of fun and food.

Fair lovers have been going through withdrawal this summer, with no fair food, no strolling through cow barns, petting zoos, and 4H displays. Of course, the ride-lovers are missing their thrilling spins on the newest attraction, but we all know that's not going to happen this year. Can you imagine how long it would take to sanitize every seat between rides? Plus, your mask would fly right off your face.

But the folks at the Skowhegan State Fair recognized that Mainers need a fun trip to the fairgrounds, even if they can't ride. I mean, let's face it, one of the biggest attractions of the Skowhegan State Fair is the agricultural displays and events. So they're working on putting together a two-day program that will scratch that itch.

The weekend of September 19th and 20th, you can take the kids to the children's barnyard, pick up some fair food, and visit an open-air farmer's market. There will be a maple sugar house, where I'll be spending a lot of time. Maple candy = Cindy's weakness.

In addition to the food, there will be some 'pulling' going on. Saturday will feature horse & oxen pulling, while Sunday will include antique tractor pulls and doodlebug pulls. What's a doodlebug, you ask? I checked the rules and it has all sorts of requirements about the size and age of the entries. But my favorite rule states that the front end must look 'somewhat like a vehicle.' I have to see this.

Admission and parking will be free and there will be camping available. Check the Skowhegan State Fair website for updates, as the event gets closer.