UNION – The 2003 Maine Wild Blueberry Festival and Union Fair will open Sunday for a week filled with agricultural events and more.

The gates open at noon Sunday and activities run through Saturday night.

From pig races to steer pulling, the Union Fair offers a wide variety of animal competitions and shows with plenty of opportunities during the week for youngsters to pet the animals.

One of the highlights of the festival is the crowning of the 2003 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen, which takes place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17. Nine candidates are competing for the title.

This year’s contestants are Jaime Fogg, 17, of Owls Head; Sarah Havener, 19, of Friendship; Erin Allen, 20, of Alexander; Kate LaHaye, 20, of Belfast; Stephanie McIntyre, 18, of Hope; Anna Hammond, 19, of Harrington; Tasha Sweet, 22, of Howland; Mae Polson, 19, of Lincolnville; and Sarah Nichols, 20, of Harrington.

A fireworks display will follow the coronation.

During the week, there will be many blueberry-based cooking competitions, crafts, harness racing, musical entertainment and a midway.

Some of the other activities during the week are a bubble gum blowing contest, exhibits in the Matthews Museum, a parade, 4-H Club shows, children’s games and an all-you-can-eat pancake contest.