Annual
Conference
Join Us at the Cross Center in Bangor.
Annual
Conference
Welcome to our Annual Conference
Bringing Maine Fairs, Entertainers, Promoters & Enthusiasts together for over 110 Years
Each winter, stewards of Maine’s agricultural tradition gather to celebrate the vibrancy of the state’s fairs, share wisdom, and chart the future. The upcoming Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Conference, slated for January 22-25, 2026, marks not only a new year but a new beginning: for the first time, the event will be held at the Cross Center in Bangor, Maine—a venue whose modern amenities and spacious halls promise to frame three days of inspiration, education, and camaraderie.
Welcoming the Fair Community to Bangor
The relocation to the Cross Center is emblematic of the conference’s evolving spirit. Bangor, with its rich history and energetic cultural scene, sets an inspiring stage for the leaders, volunteers, and visionaries who keep Maine’s Agricultural Fairs thriving. The Cross Center’s central location makes it more accessible to fair organizers from every corner of the state, while its state-of-the-art facilities offer a perfect setting for learning, networking, and celebration.
100+
Years Of Experience
Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs
Building the Future—Together
The Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Conference is more than a gathering—it is an incubator for ideas, a network for support, and a testament to the enduring value of agricultural traditions. The move to Bangor and the Cross Center opens new possibilities for growth and collaboration, ensuring that Maine’s fairs are better equipped than ever to serve their communities.
Attendees will leave with fresh insights, practical tools, and strengthened relationships, ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the coming year. Whether it’s through innovative programming, renewed commitment to history, or the laughter of an 80’s dance party, the 2026 conference will set the tone for a bright and bountiful future.
Join the Celebration
If you’re involved in Maine’s fairs in any capacity—or simply passionate about agriculture, community, and good old-fashioned fun—the 2026 Annual Conference is an event not to be missed. Registration details and a full schedule will be shared soon, but one thing is certain: the spirit of Maine’s agricultural fairs continues to shine, and this January in Bangor, it will shine brighter than ever.
Fair Display Table
If your fair would like a Fair Display Table at the conference let Darcy know by emailing mainefairs@gmail.com.
Banquet Slide Show
MAAF is looking for 5 Fair Photos for Slide Show.
Fair Photo upload directions: Click HERE and then click on your fair then click on NEW in the left corner, (you can drag and drop also) then click on File Upload.
Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs
Our Awards
Rising Star Award - Please consider nominating a young person that has been outstanding in their commitment and service to a Maine Fair during 2025.
Rising Star Award
For a young person or persons who have gone above and beyond the call of duty showing their dedication to the agricultural community.
Catherine L. Damren Distinguished Service Award
Given to a person in the Maine agricultural community who has gone above and beyond in support and promotion of Maine's agricultural fairs.
Associate Members...
Would you like to Participate in the Trade Show?
MAAF Conference
Photo Gallery
Why the Change?
For many years, Portland has been the beloved home of our conference, making it a familiar and comfortable setting for our attendees. Yet, as our conference has grown, so has the need for a larger and more accommodating facility. By moving to the Cross Center, we are ensuring that we can provide the best possible experience for everyone involved. This new location offers ample space for our expanded program, ensuring that we have room to be all together for our banquet and various sessions.
Expanded Program
We are committed to working diligently to bring you an enhanced and diverse program. Our team is working tirelessly to curate workshops, classes, and sessions that will provide the education and resources you need. We believe that the Cross Centers extensive facilities will enable us to offer a broader range of topics and activities, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration.
Call for Ideas
To ensure that our conference meets your needs and interests, we invite you to share your ideas for workshops, classes, and other sessions. Whether you have suggestions for short or longer sessions, your input is invaluable to us. Please let us know how we can make this conference the best it can be.
Stay Tuned
More details will be coming soon, so stay tuned for updates. We are excited about this new chapter in the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Conference and look forward to welcoming you to Bangor in January 2026.
Welcoming the Fair Community to Bangor
The relocation to the Cross Center is emblematic of the conference’s evolving spirit. Bangor, with its rich history and energetic cultural scene, sets an inspiring stage for the leaders, volunteers, and visionaries who keep Maine’s Agricultural Fairs thriving. The Cross Center’s central location makes it more accessible to fair organizers from every corner of the state, while its state-of-the-art facilities offer a perfect setting for learning, networking, and celebration.
Building the Future—Together
The Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Conference is more than a gathering—it is an incubator for ideas, a network for support, and a testament to the enduring value of agricultural traditions. The move to Bangor and the Cross Center opens new possibilities for growth and collaboration, ensuring that Maine’s fairs are better equipped than ever to serve their communities.
Attendees will leave with fresh insights, practical tools, and strengthened relationships, ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the coming year. Whether it’s through innovative programming, renewed commitment to history, or the laughter of an 80’s dance party, the 2026 conference will set the tone for a bright and bountiful future.
Join the Celebration
If you’re involved in Maine’s fairs in any capacity—or simply passionate about agriculture, community, and good old-fashioned fun—the 2026 Annual Conference is an event not to be missed. Registration details and a full schedule will be shared soon, but one thing is certain: the spirit of Maine’s agricultural fairs continues to shine, and this January in Bangor, it will shine brighter than ever.