Common Ground Fair Kicks Off Friday

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association will once again bring the Common Ground Fair to Unity this weekend.

It's not your typical fair. You won't find any thrilling rides or fun houses, cotton candy or energy drinks. What you will find is a group of people celebrating the agricultural and rural way of life. It's not uncommon to find yourself stopping on your journey through the Unity fairgrounds to allow a cow to walk by. You can see sheep herding dogs do their thing. And learn more about successful raising of yard chickens.

There are a lot of informational booths at the Common Ground Fair, for everything from converting your house to solar energy, composting and recycling, to the benefits and challenges of homesteading. And, of course, there are plenty of demonstrations and folks on-hand to answer your questions!

My favorite parts of the fair, however, include shopping and eating. (no big surprise!) A huge merchant tent displays made-in-Maine products, from beautifully crafted jewelry, to pottery, and some amazing artwork. Bring your wallet because I predict that you won't get away without at least buying some fresh honey or yummy jam! And, speaking of food, the refreshments offered at the Common Ground Fair don't include candy apples or other typical fair fare. Instead, you're dining on wood-fired pizza, lamb kabobs, and barbecued ribs. It's delicious!

The Common Ground Fair will be at the Unity fairgrounds all weekend, opening at 9 a.m. each day, Friday through Sunday. Vendors will be open til 6 on the first two days, and until 5 on Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. You can purchase your tickets online in advance and have a little more cash for the food court! For more information, log onto the MOFGA website.