Common Ground Country Fair
Unity, Maine
By Judy Soper | October 06, 2011
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As we bid September farewell, I have found myself revisiting the events of the summer, smiling at the fond memories of warm sunshine, as I look forward to the wonderful colors of fall.
Each year my family and I consider our options for the last opportunities to enjoy another fair as the season comes to a close. Always up for consideration is the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine, which was held on the last full weekend of September. It is practically in our back yard. How could we not go?
Maine boasts the existence of the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country, The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Over the course of the year, the organization coordinates many meetings, workshops, conferences, dinners, and festive gatherings, many taking place at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity. The Common Ground Country Fair is one such gathering, a celebration of rural living attended by people from near and far.
Some come for a few hours or the day, others come for the entire weekend, but all who attend leave with a real appreciation of this rural community.
There is a lengthy list of things to do, and choosing what to see can be a daunting task. It is a place to enjoy wonderful organic food and delectable aromas, artisans share their amazing work, and animal exhibitions draw young and old alike. Many an “ohhhhh, look” and “awwww” can be heard as you pass through each area.
Performances take place in an amphitheater, on stages, and on foot with performers maneuvering through the thick crowd of fair-goers. Do you spin fiber? Bring your wheel and join the group as they exhibit their skills and showcase their results.
You can enjoy many demonstrations - weaving, stone working, forestry, beekeeping, Maine Indian basket-making, sheep dogs, draft horses, or perhaps even partake in the Harry S. Truman Memorial Manure Toss. Yes, really.
There is much to learn about farming, gardening, composting, and many diverse topics related to rural living. It is safe to say that the options are plentiful and you leave feeling fulfilled and inspired.
Sharing the experience through words and images is exciting. However, in all honesty, the best way to experience the fair is to go. Have you been before? If so, my guess is that you will likely return. If not, consider adding it to your list of things to do for 2012.
Details:
http://www.mofga.org/TheFair/tabid/135/Default.aspx
