Common Ground Country Fair is ready to greet large crowds this weekend
It’s the weekend growers and fans of all things organic in Maine wait for all year when gates open Friday morning ushering in the 46th Common Ground Country Fair in Unity.
Run by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the fair has grown from its beginnings at the Litchfield Fairgrounds in 1977 to a three-day event that has drawn upward of 60,000 people to 200 acres on MOFGA-owned land in Unity.
Fair organizers are prepared to greet at least that many visitors this weekend.
“The weather is looking good and it’s all coming together,” April Boucher, Common Ground Fair director, said the day before gates open. “Our ticket presales are looking great.”
On Thursday, Boucher did not have the number of tickets already sold, but said the forecast of good weather boosted those sales this week.
With dozens of displays, exhibitions, demonstrations and programming, the fair is designed to educate about and advocate for organic agriculture.
People come from around Maine and beyond to talk directly with those who grow organic vegetables, raise livestock and live sustainably.
“They come because of our shared values of community and supporting agriculture that nurtures community and the environment,” Boucher said. “It’s a way to move forward for a healthier tomorrow.”
With so much going on, it can be a bit overwhelming when you step through the fair entrance, but organizers have it covered. MOFGA has sample itineraries and information on its website.
It takes more than 2,000 volunteers to pull it off, according to fair organizers.
Last year the attendance surpassed 62,000 people drawn by perfect weather and the first fair in three years due to the pandemic. This coming weekend, temperatures are forecast to be in the high 60s to low 70s with just a chance of showers on Sunday.
Last year the lines at the gate were fairly long with wait times approaching 30 minutes. Fair organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines. Tickets are sent by email, which you can download to your phone or print and bring directly to the fair gates.