UNITY, Maine — The Common Ground Country Fair, which is the signature event of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) in Unity, Maine will be offered in a virtual format for 2020. This annual celebration of rural living is always the third weekend after Labor Day and attracts over 60,000 visitors to MOFGA’s fairgrounds.
April Boucher, Common Ground Country Fair director stated, “Governor Mills’ gradual plan to restart Maine’s economy has provided information and clarity about the months ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. At this time the guidance we have received, along with information from our fellow Maine Agricultural Fairs, has led us to the decision to pursue a virtual Fair and not have an on-site event this year. This decision takes into account the safety and need for advanced planning for our community and allows us to begin planning a marquee virtual event.”
“We recognize the important role the Fair plays in connecting with each other, sharing knowledge, supporting our local economy, creating access to organic food, and extending MOFGA’s year round work,” notes MOFGA executive director Sarah Alexander. “These important roles will not be lost and we are excited to put our efforts and creativity into innovative ways to support our community through a virtual fair.”
Boucher added, “Our community is what makes the Common Ground Country Fair a vibrant and engaging celebration of rural living. They are in the forefront of our minds as we monitor the pandemic and make this decision. Our decision about the Fair was not taken lightly and is the product of feedback from our community, direction from our state’s administration and facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
“MOFGA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, and we hope that next year we can come back with an even bigger in-person celebration. Until then, our work to educate about and advocate for local, organic food for all is more important than ever, and will be a prominent theme in our virtual fair,” noted, Alexander.
The Common Ground Country Fair started in 1977 and relies on the work of 2,500 dedicated volunteers each year, including 300 volunteers who work on the event year round. The fair offers over 775 educational talks and experiences and features vendors from Maine, a unique all organic farmers market, and is the largest organic fair in the U.S.
MOFGA will be working with the Fair Planning Team, volunteers, exhibitors, and staff to keep the spirit and goals of the Common Ground Country Fair alive and to provide an engaging virtual event for the community. Learn more at mofga.org.
–Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association