2010 Common Ground Country Fair a Success

On Friday, opening day for the Fair, 16,000 poeple came to the Fair and almost 5,600 of these were school children on field trips to the Fair. "Friday is my favorite day at Common Ground because of all the school kids on site," said Ahearne. "When more than a third of all people at the Fair are school age, there's an abundance of enthusiasm and curious chatter on the fairgrounds. It's a lot of fun to be around." Attendance on Saturday was a record breaking 27,000 and on Sunday another 16,600 made a day of it at Common Ground. More than 600 people rode bicycles to the Fair and well over 1,000 took the train.

Some 2,000 volunteers chipped in to bring the 2010 Common Ground Country Fair to life. "We could never hire enough staff to run this Fair without volunteers," noted Ahearne, "nor would we want to. It's the volunteers who make Common Ground so unique. This is their fair. Volunteers are involved at all levels in all areas of the Fair. And with so many different people from so many walks of life contributing to the Fair, the final product is like none other any where."

Known for its delicious organic food and the scope and quality of the artisans offering wares for sale, Common Ground is perhaps most unique among country fairs for the depth and variety of hands-on demonstrations, workshops and talks offered by farmers, gardeners, and fair exhibitors. "This year we had over 700 exhibitors and vendors at the Fair and close to 700 events on the schedule," observed Ahearne. "The most rewarding aspect of the Fair for many of our speakers and demonstrators are the exchanges and conversations they have with fairgoers. So many people are coming to Common Ground to learn or share information and skills they can take back to their own farm, their own garden, their homes and communities."

Produced by MOFGA, the Common Ground Country Fair takes place in Unity, Maine every year on the third weekend after Labor Day. Fair dates for 2011 are September 23, 24 & 25.