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| The Cumberland County Fair runs this year from Sunday, Sept 21 through Saturday, Sept. 27 and will honor the memory of the late Lyle Merrifield of Merrifield Farm in Gorham, who led the fair and helped make it the success it is today. COURTESY PHOTO |
Merrifield, who passed away in September 2024, served as the Cumberland Farmers Club president and was widely known as a tireless advocate for agriculture and rural traditions. His contributions to the fair are visible throughout the grounds, from the arenas and barns to the working exhibits that continue to draw families year after year. Organizers say Merrifield’s fingerprints can be seen on nearly every corner of the fair, whether in the Blue Seal Show Arena, the Sugar House, or the pulling arenas that showcase the region’s strongest draft horses and oxen.
“Lyle was more than just a leader of the fair,” one longtime volunteer reflected. “He was a builder, a mentor, and a friend to everyone here. He dreamed big and he worked hard to make those dreams happen.”
Those dreams often became tangible improvements. During his tenure, Merrifield oversaw the creation of new exhibition spaces, the addition of antique power displays, and the revitalization of working heritage demonstrations such as the sawmill and blacksmith shop. These additions not only preserved Maine’s agricultural history but also gave visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the skills and traditions that shaped rural life.
For fairgoers in 2025, those demonstrations will take on new meaning. The blacksmiths hammering iron, the sugar house boiling down maple syrup, and the historic sawmill cutting fresh timber will serve not only as entertainment but also as a living tribute to Merrifield’s passion for education and preservation. Organizers say that while Merrifield is deeply missed, his presence will continue to be felt in these traditions carried forward.
This year’s fair promises to be a packed schedule of events that reflect both old and new. Each day will bring a mix of livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and pulling contests, alongside the midway rides and carnival games that younger visitors look forward to all year. The fan-favorite All-American Rodeo as well as the International Pulls return on Wednesday and Thursday nights, harness racing continues to be a staple attraction, while motorized events, live entertainment, and contests ranging from pie-baking to poutine-eating will keep crowds engaged throughout the week. For families, the popular “Bracelet Days” will once again offer unlimited rides for a single price on select weekdays, making the fair both affordable and accessible.
Yet amid the fried dough, Ferris Wheels, and grandstand cheering, there will be a quieter undercurrent of remembrance. Merrifield’s leadership is remembered not only for the projects he championed but also for the way he brought people together. Those who worked alongside him recall his humor, generosity, and the way he encouraged others to take pride in their community and its traditions.
The Cumberland Fair has always been more than an agricultural showcase. It is a gathering place, a reunion of sorts for friends and neighbors, and a reminder of the importance of heritage. This year, as visitors stroll the grounds and take in the exhibits, many will do so with gratitude for the man whose steady hand helped guide the fair through decades of growth.
As the gates open Sept. 21, the community will celebrate not only the bounty of the harvest but also the enduring legacy of Lyle Merrifield. His vision lives on in the fair he helped shape, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy one of Maine’s most cherished traditions.
For complete information about the Cumberland Fair, and to review the full schedule, visit cumberlandfair.com <
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