Common Ground Fair 2012

Each September in Unity, Maine the Common Ground Fair happens.  It is a big happening for such a rural area.  MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardner's Association) hosts a yearly fair to support farming in our community.  It is a celebration of the small organic farmer. MOFGA was formed in 1971 and is the oldest and largest state organic organizations in the country.  

 

Unity is a small town that handles the three day growth spurt of 20,000 daily visitors to the fair. 

Like many fairs there is a Children's Area

Unlike many fairs the "fun" is simple.  Give a boy a hammer, nails and a log and he will one day build a home.

A celebration of our youth. These amazing kids are making products and selling at their own booths.

Tees, Felting.

 

This young man exhibited raw wool and was knitting hats. His price was a bit steep. $50 each and he was selling a few.

 

Big push for community gardening.

This is one of my regular stops. The country store sells tee shirts with a different picture every year. 100% US cotton, made in the USA.

Marylee was my partner in crime for the day.  She had to visit the smoking area.  Actually, there is no smoking section so she hid in the bushes.  Tobacco is an American product after all.

The food vendors grow every year. Nothing but organic. There was blueberry soda. Maine blueberries of course. This lady is sporting Maine potatoes, fried of course.

My lunch was a Gyro pronounced (yee-ro). Lamb, veggies, and tzatziki. Yum.

We can eat!

Every year I see the vendors and crafters grow. Amazing tree carvings.

Hand stenciled dish towels.

I have to pick up a Nickel bag of cat nip for my grandcat Paco.

Roosters

Rams

 

Rainbow of colors!

 

I have a fascination with oxen. They are such gentle giants. I do stay clear of both working ends of this guy. Lets just be real here.

 

I went back through the food section again just to see the different kinds of fair food available.

Pie Cones? That just doesn't seem right. At $7 a cone I let someone else get these calories.

Tubs of pickles. I think I still like the old barrels best. They look more appetizing that way.

 

Lastly for the day....chickens making a meal of the garden left overs.  Now that is a productive fair day.  The weather was overcast and a bit cool.  Just like a September day should be.

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm