The goal of the Common Ground Country Fair is to support the organic farming and gardening community and educate the public about the importance of organic, sustainable living. This year, the event’s reach grew to new heights, with a total of 69,424 fairgoers, breaking the previous record of 67,858 in 2022. Fairgoers from around the Northeast and beyond came to enjoy live music, organic food, Maine artisan crafts, and over 500 educational presentations.
“We are so excited to have reached so many people with our mission of building a food system that is healthy and fair for all,” says Meg Gammon, Common Ground Country Fair manager. “We’re grateful to have had incredible weather, and a safe and fun fair for fairgoers.”
While MOFGA is not aiming to break records, the number of fairgoers speaks to the importance of, and interest in, supporting a thriving rural economy. A variety of vendors from around the state sold fresh produce and flowers, prepared food, handcrafted goods, and so much more over the course of the weekend.
“MOFGA’s Common Ground Country Fair is unique in many respects. It’s the only organic agricultural fair in the country,” says MOFGA’s executive director, Sarah Alexander. “It’s a time when people come together around our shared values to support Maine farmers and artisans. This event is a huge economic driver for our local businesses, both at the fair and in the surrounding towns, and has a substantial impact on their bottom line.”
No records would be broken without the thousands of hours donated by the volunteers who make the fair possible. Volunteers donate their time doing everything from parking cars, to sorting compost and recycling, to preparing organic meals in the Common Kitchen.
“Volunteer commitment at the fair is unwavering and an inspiration,” says Common Ground Country Fair Director April Boucher. “Volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time to do behind-the-scenes work that makes the fair run and ensures that all fairgoers have a smooth experience from getting into the fair to engaging in all of the educational and fun aspects of the fair.”
While fairgrounds clean-up is still underway, the fair planning team has already begun preparing for the 2025 event. Learn more about the fair here.
