Cumberland Fair

Horse Track at the Cumberland Fair, West Cumberland, Maine

Each year during the third week of September, thousands of people flock to the intersection of Blanchard and Bruce Hill Roads for the Cumberland Fair.

Presented by the Cumberland Farmers Club at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, 2019 saw the 148th edition of the event that started as the Cumberland Center Fair. The harness racing that now occurs on a standard track at the fairgrounds once took place on Main Street, which also was the site of the ox pulling and other events.

Flyer, Cumberland Fair, Cumberland, Maine, 1887

In addition, the meetinghouse sheds were filled with hogs, colts, sheep, oxen, steers, cows, and other livestock for display. Activities included an oxen pulling contest, horse races, and a luncheon with food prepared from a local kitchen. Lacking a building, many families brought picnic lunches and ate under tents.