For most of the summer, picturesque Bangor is another pit stop on the Maine vacationer's checklist, usually on the way to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. But, for a couple weeks at the beginning of August, it is also home to the Bangor State Fair, a smallish affair, but certainly true to the state fair ideal. I visited with two British friends, and it was a fun foray into real American culture. There were plenty of funnel cakes, corn dogs, lemonade, and all things fried. Rides included old favorites for both kids and adults, as well as a particularly fabulous new contraption resembling the swinging motion of the classic "Pirate Ship" ride, but while also spinning in a circle. If rides are your thing, try to make it on a wristband day, when you can ride all you want for the cost of three or four rides.
Off the main fairway a ways are the barns housing the award-winning farm animals where horse-pulls and other special events take place. This was a nice break from the gaudy glitz of the attractions and would be great for kids, both as a learning experience and interesting fun. In the same building we saw piglets feeding, chicks hatching, goats watering, and all sorts of roosters and sheep. Something unique to me was the display devoted to the Maine Rabbit Breeder's Association, a tent you shouldn't enter with children unless you have firm willpower to resist pleas for a new pet. There are upwards of 20 different breeds on show, most of which are for sale and simply irresistibly cute. If you do give in, cages and accessories are for sale as well, so you can go home with the whole shebang.
My favorite part of the fair, and where we spent the majority of our time, was the special shows that run throughout the day. The alligator show involved a "Croc Hunter" wannabe who splashed around in a tank of water and displayed the correct way to catch a gator. The bike/board/skate show included four talents from the Northeast who spend the summer touring with a half pipe, performing tricks for their audiences and giving a close-up look at the "skater" world to people who might not normally give it a chance. The best, though, had to be the big cat show with lions and tigers. It was the typical jumping through hoops of fire and posing for audiences, but it was simply amazing to be so close to the beautiful creatures, which was possible with such a small crowd. All told, it was a fun day, but if you've never seen what Maine has to offer, it probably shouldn't be a high priority on your list.