The first artist to use a truck on his artwork, and also the first male winner since 2019, has been announced as winner of the 2026 Union Fair Poster Contest. Eric Whittman, of South Portland, will receive a $750 cash prize for being named the winner.

"With a special appearance coming to the 2026 Union Fair / Maine’s Wild Blueberry Festival, to be announced soon, the use of a truck on this years poster is a very happy coincidence," said the Trustees of the Union Fair – Maine’s Wild Blueberry Festival, in a news release.

In describing the winning design, the Trustees say: If you look at the artwork you’ll see that Eric left easter eggs from fair posters of years past. The pig is from the 2025 poster, the goat from 2024, the rooster from 2023, the cow with the ribbon from 2022, and the sheep and the blueberry basket from 2021. The rabbit is a new addition.

The 2026 Union Fair Poster will soon appear at locations around the Midcoast area. The poster will also be displayed on the upcoming 2026 Union Fair Schedule. For dedicated collectors 2026 Fair Posters will be available soon at the Union Fair online store and at the Merchandise Store during the Union Fair August 5 - August 9, 2026.

Please contact Rick Butler at (207) 215-2575 or publicity@unionfair.org with any questions.