The biggest news from Fryeburg Fair is the September 30th grand opening of their new Specialty Foods Pavilion. No one knows this better than building superintendents Jean Andrews and Carol Hastings (in photo above), both of Fryeburg. "The Fair has been tossing this idea around for a long time," says Andrews, who has had past associations with the specialty food industry. Hastings, the Assistant Superintendent says, "We hope to create an old time mercantile atmosphere."

About three years in development, the concept of the Pavilion comes from the Fair's desire to provide a place for people to sell their local specialty products derived from local agriculture, the basic tenet of Fryeburg Fair's mission. The building will highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of the vendors who will spend 8 days marketing and selling their specialty products.

Andrews says, "I believe we are the first Fair in the State to celebrate this growing industry by building a facility devoted to Specialty Foods and their producers. The Pavilion is beautiful and right next to the Natural Resources building. We have over 6,800 square feet and expect to host more than 20 vendors this year and upwards of 30 next year. We will have some fantastic products available from gourmet chocolate to olive oil. We'll also have barbecue sauces, gourmet popcorn, jams, jellies and coffee to name a few."

Andrews goes on to say, "These specialty food producers can use this opportunity to test market product, gain market share and build brand awareness and recognition. Not only is this a retail venue for them but an opportunity to interact directly with customers and gain insight for their business. For Fair visitors it is a great opportunity to support local small business and purchase wonderful specialty foods for use at home or for the holiday season."

Hastings adds, "We are fortunate to host over 300,000 visitors in Fryeburg during the Fair and over 3,500 campers, who we hope will purchase some of these products, take them home or back to their campsite and return for more."

"We want to support the connection between agriculture and the entrepreneurial spirit," Andrews adds with enthusiasm. "This is a great opportunity for so many who come to the Fair and Western Maine to enjoy foliage season, to take home something from the region that they can enjoy later. Everybody loves to eat or to bring back a special gift and it's very meaningful when it comes from someone who puts so much heart and soul into it."

For more information on Fryeburg Fair, go to www.fryeburgfair.org