Maine Fair Celebrates Country

This year’s events include kitchen demonstrations, forestry tours, papermaking demonstrations and apple-themed activities for children of all ages. And, of course, there will be old-fashioned competitions for produce and natural desserts, apple pie contests and even a 5k footrace.

Uniting the community

Not only is there something for everyone, but the Common Ground Country Fair is literally everyone’s fair. While MOFGA does have a handful of paid staff, the fair is largely organized and run by an army of volunteers. Last year’s volunteer corps topped more than 1,000 people from all over the state.

That idea of community is attractive to both volunteers and visitors, and the ties created strengthen the community. As Luce says, “If the community isn’t strong, then everything else falls apart.”

Another way the fair strengthens the community is by connecting farmers and consumers, a connection we often miss in today’s marketplace where our food comes wrapped in plastic or is shipped from thousands of miles away.

Walking the talk

What makes the fair so special is that even though there are literally thousands of people attending, the atmosphere remains one of small-town America where people value the land and its resources. In keeping with these values, volunteers work hard to make the fair a zero-waste event, meaning nearly all waste left behind by visitors is either composted, recycled or reused. Vendors, who serve organic, healthful foods made with local ingredients, use biodegradable containers. Even visitors to the fair are encouraged to help by sorting their trash into recycling and composting bins.

The Common Ground Country Fair provides a haven from today’s distractions and gives visitors a chance to enjoy all that rural living has to offer.

If you go The fair will be September 21, 22 and 23. Take I-95 to Route 139 East and follow the signs to Unity. For more information, visit www.MOFGA.org, and click on “The Fair.”