WOW!
The first words we said when we arrived in Unity, Maine for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Common Ground Country Fair. There were booths and food abounding just like any other fair you have ever been too, except that at this fair everything - including the funnel cakes - was organic!
Jim Ahearne, the Fair's director, took a moment to explain to us the importance of having a fair that is attended by 59,000 people. He spoke to us about people being able to come there and experience the community within the organic movement and that, while many of the farmers and individuals with booths had organic experience, this fair allows people from the area (and from far away) the chance to come and see what is happening and be a part of the family.
Activities were available for every member of the family. There were livestock shows, children's areas where they could learn about standing up for issues they believe in, live music, oh, yes, and delicious haddock and gyros! Russell Libby, MOFGA's executive director even took a moment to speak with us about us all getting involved. Maine has the highest number of organic farms within the US. The state of Maine currently consumes 20% from within its borders and 80% from the outside and he is set on helping to make it the reverse. While MOFGA is there year-round to assist Mainers with creating their own food system, he hopes that each person who attends the Fair leaves slightly more inspired to do what they can to live more sustainably - we are! Oh, and can you send some more funnel cakes my way please - YUM!
The first words we said when we arrived in Unity, Maine for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Common Ground Country Fair. There were booths and food abounding just like any other fair you have ever been too, except that at this fair everything - including the funnel cakes - was organic!
Jim Ahearne, the Fair's director, took a moment to explain to us the importance of having a fair that is attended by 59,000 people. He spoke to us about people being able to come there and experience the community within the organic movement and that, while many of the farmers and individuals with booths had organic experience, this fair allows people from the area (and from far away) the chance to come and see what is happening and be a part of the family.
Activities were available for every member of the family. There were livestock shows, children's areas where they could learn about standing up for issues they believe in, live music, oh, yes, and delicious haddock and gyros! Russell Libby, MOFGA's executive director even took a moment to speak with us about us all getting involved. Maine has the highest number of organic farms within the US. The state of Maine currently consumes 20% from within its borders and 80% from the outside and he is set on helping to make it the reverse. While MOFGA is there year-round to assist Mainers with creating their own food system, he hopes that each person who attends the Fair leaves slightly more inspired to do what they can to live more sustainably - we are! Oh, and can you send some more funnel cakes my way please - YUM!
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