Maine Wild Blueberry Festival at Union Fair

The Maine Wild Blueberry Festival became part of Union Fair in 1960 as a way to celebrate and promote Maine's iconic wild blueberry industry. What began as a simple festival with a blueberry pie baking contest and a junior pie-eating competition has grown into one of the fair's most beloved traditions.

The first blueberry pie baking champion was Mrs. George Cole, while Willard Pease claimed victory in the inaugural junior pie-eating contest. In 1961, the festival introduced the Blueberry Queen competition, selecting a young woman to serve as an ambassador for Maine's wild blueberry industry. Monalee Smith became Union Fair's first Blueberry Queen, representing the industry throughout the year.

The festival became such an important part of Union Fair that the organization successfully petitioned the Maine Legislature to officially change its name to
Union Fair & Maine Wild Blueberry Festival.

Today, more than six decades later, many of the festival's original traditions continue. Visitors can still enjoy the ever-popular blueberry pie-eating contests, watch judges select the winners of the blueberry pie, muffin, and dessert competitions, and cheer on young bakers ages 6–15 as they showcase their talents in youth baking contests. The annual Blueberry Queen continues to serve as an ambassador for Maine's wild blueberry industry. Check out her Facebook page!

A highlight of the festival is Blueberry Acres, and the Wild Blueberry Museum, permanent exhibits dedicated to Maine's wild blueberry heritage. Visitors can explore displays of harvesting equipment, learn about the history and cultivation of wild blueberries, and see an authentic patch of Maine wild blueberries growing on the fairgrounds.

Blueberry Acres is also home to the festival's famous free blueberry dessert giveaway, a tradition that dates back to the very first festival in 1960. Guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities.

For generations, the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival has celebrated Maine agriculture, community spirit, and family fun. Union Fair is proud to continue this cherished tradition and invite visitors of all ages to experience the sweet taste of Maine's wild blueberry heritage.

Contact: blueberryfestival@unionfair.org