BANGOR — Bangor State Fair, one of the many looked forward to events in the city each summer, is set for a 10-day run Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 9, at Bass Park. Fair hours are 2-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon- 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, with the fair closing at 5 p.m. on that day.
The agricultural aspect of the fair will include horse events, 4-H dog show, 4-H Day activities, oxen and steer show, beef show, steer and oxen pulling, sheep show, dairy show, animal obstacle course, goat show, livestock auction and many other 4-H and animal-related activities.
The fair will offer a grand mix of attractions, including fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday, July 31, a backyard circus every day at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Eastern Maine rabbits exhibition, all day; Brown Family Farm pony rides, all day; Animal Alley, all day; educational exhibits, all day;
and Old McDonald’s Farm in the agricultural area of the fairgrounds.
Those who enjoy cars and trucks and things that go can take in the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 7-8; and tractor and truck pulls at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and the many mechanical rides and carnival games in the fair midway.
Food eating competitions also will be a feature of the fair. Contestants will sink their teeth into the Whoopie Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Whoopie Pie Cafe in Bangor, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.4. The Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, sponsored by Dysart’s, will be served up at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, and the Hot Dog Eating Contest, sponsored by W.A. Bean & Sons, will get cooking at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6.
Entry fee for the food eating competitions is $10. To sign up for food eating contests, visit BangorStateFair.com.
But wait — there’s more.
The Great Maine Lumberjack Show will take the stage at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
The World of Wonders, featuring sword swallowers, fire eaters, the Divas of Danger and many other amazing performances, is set for 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. Admission is $1.
Fairgoers looking for games to play will want to participate in G-Force Laser Tag, all day, each day of the fair. The cost is $3 per game, $10 for four games or $15 for all day play.
A Different Spin, circus and fire arts entertainment, will take place Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 5-9. There will be two performances each evening.
The WKIT 100.3 Zone Radio Music Stage will include Santa Croce, the WKIT Zone Radio Showcase, Lexi James, Cate Toole, Stesha Cano, Veayo Twins Trio Band, Sharon Hood, Ciara Cargiulo and April Forrest.
Fair admission is $12 per person and includes access to most shows and attractions, access to all the exhibits, access to 4-H events and agriculture area, and access to all mechanical rides. Additional admission is required for World of Wonders, G Force Laser Tag and midway fair games. Children under 3 will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. Senior and military days are Monday through Wednesday, Aug. 3-5, with an admission cost of $5 per person, available to those age 60 and up, and military members with ID.
Admission for groups of 10 or more will be $10 per person. To order group tickets, contact Chris at 561-8311 or chris.mcgrail@bangormaine.gov
The cost for fair parking is $7 per vehicle on the racetrack infield or $10 per vehicle in the VIP Lot.
Parking is on a first come, first served basis and may be accessed from the Buck Street entrance of the fairgrounds. Bass Park Boulevard. will be closed to vehicular traffic and used only for foot traffic. Fair bracelets will be sold in both parking areas.
For information, complete schedules and descriptions of attractions, go to BangorStateFair.com.