Creativity in Common: Fall Fairs

When most people think of New England in the fall their first thought is foliage. Nothing says Northeast like dense forests covered in brilliant reds, golds, and browns. But there’s more to this little corner of the country than leaves. In fact, fall is the perfect time to check out a New England fair.

Collectively, fairs are a fantastic place for creative souls to get together and appreciate all of the hard work others have done throughout the year. Many of the area fairs focus on the unique identities of the towns in which they’re held which opens the door to creative offerings not typically found in mainstream shows.

With so many creative fairs to choose from, I thought it would be helpful to outline a few of my favorites. Here are the top New England fall fairs to visit in 2018.

Fryeburg Fair

The Fryeburg Fair runs from September 30th through October 7th in Fryeburg, Maine. It typically attracts over 200,000 people and is chock full of interesting activities and exhibitions. There are sheep dog trials, anvil-throwing competitions, and a skillet toss! Like most fairs, it also boasts live entertainment, a parade, and 4-H exhibits.

Area creatives will love the flower show and wreath-making demonstrations scheduled throughout the week. As a bonus, Fryeburg is located on the border of Maine’s western mountain ranges so you’re guaranteed to take in some famous foliage during your visit.

Cornish Apple Festival

The Cornish Apple Festival proudly features more than 50 vendors of various crafts, photography, art, and more. It is usually held on the last Saturday in September in Cornish, Maine. Fall enthusiasts can bask in the season’s best apple products like homemade pie and pressed cider. There’s a bluegrass festival and other live entertainment events for those interested in appreciating music, and plenty of activities for all ages.

The festival is free to attend, but be sure to bring spending money along so you can take advantage of the numerous sales and specials hosted by local shops and restaurants.

All Things Pumpkin Festival

This unique event is actually more of an experience than your average festival. For a small fee, guests can hop aboard a seasonal sleigh and tour through several picturesque New England towns like Jackson Village. Creative spirits will enjoy the “Return of the Pumpkin People” exhibits on display at more than 15 area businesses, or participate in an annual pumpkin carving competition. Silent auctions, pumpkin tastings, and business open houses make the All Things Pumpkin Festival a must-attend in 2018.
This year, the festival will be held on Sunday, October 14th in the Jackson area.

Brew Ha Ha Festival

The Brew Ha Ha Festival will be held in the King Pine Ski Area on Sunday, October 6th. The craft beer celebration boasts beverages from several area vendors and includes well-known brands like Angry Orchard and Sam Adams. There are field games, board games, face painters, and a stein holsting competition to help attendees capture their fall spirit. Fresh food and live music are also available.

Admission is free, but you will need to purchase drink tokens if you plan on enjoying any of the seasonal brews at the festival.

If you’re thinking about attending any of the area fall fairs please keep Topo Pino in mind. This tranquil retreat and glamping site is ideally located in relation to many festivals and offers a quiet, private place to return to at the end of your celebrations. Plus, thanks to its proximity to the White Mountain National Forest, you can still check out that famous foliage!

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