Cumberland Fair Faces Attendance Issues Amid Fryeburg Scheduling Conflict

MAINE, USA — Cumberland Fair officials are concerned about lower attendance this year, claiming “all signs point to a loss”. The issues have emerged after the announcement that Fryeburg would begin its fair a day early in 2024.

On Saturday, the fairgrounds were filled with mixed sentiments from both vendors and fairgoers. Some viewed the overlap of the two events as a business opportunity, while others labeled it as “unneighborly”. Cumberland Fair officials argued that Fryeburg’s decision to begin on Saturday would draw customers away from their fair.

Some vendors decided not to attend the Cumberland Fair this year due to the scheduling clash. An official spokesperson from the Cumberland County Fair stated that attendance seemed lower on Saturday, noting that less foot traffic was evident.

In contrast, Fryeburg fair president David Hastings saw no issue with the scheduling. He highlighted a larger problem with underutilized weekend days. “It didn’t make sense to leave a Saturday unused,” Hastings said. He also noted that vendors who typically move from Cumberland to Fryeburg were allowed to maintain their schedules, preserving booth space for them.

One vendor, David Smith of Totally Caricature, shared his perspective. “You know we do Cumberland every year and Fryeburg. Fryeburg added the day. So we decided to honor our full time here at Cumberland and take the exempt day at Fryeburg,” he said.

Despite some frustrations, many attendees continued to flock to the rides and food stands at the Cumberland Fair. Maverick Clark, enjoying a roasted turkey leg, expressed his preference for the early start, saying that it gave him extra time to enjoy the festivities.

Another vendor, Ben McKenney of Grandpa Joe’s Sugar House, supported the idea of fairs overlapping. He felt the extended duration of events allows patrons the opportunity to attend both fairs and back local agriculture. “Whatever people do, they should go to every fair,” McKenney said.

The two fairs are set to overlap again in 2026 on October 3.