For three years now, Wynn and I have been wanting to go to Maine's Common Ground Country Fair. It's Maine's biggest event, celebrating what Mainers do best--rural living. Since our move here we have fallen for the idyllic, simple living of country folk. Maine has a way of romanticizing small, organic homesteading. MOFGA, Maine's organic farmer's association, is religion here. They've successfully stuck it to the man, fighting off factory farming, big box stores, etc. Needless to say, we have great plans for the future Stewart homestead.
Anyway, here are some photos of our experiences at the fair.
This is Tidus and Rufus and their farmer telling us about his horse's scars.
These are the Wednesday Spinners. Raise the sheep. Sheer them. Pull the wool apart. Spin it. Knit it. Wear it. This group of ladies from the Acadia area get together to spin and knit and sing.
They had a massive tent dedicated to the sale of bulk animal fleece. Llama, alpaca, sheep, goat.
The poultry house was very neat. Organic Gardening magazine had a really neat article highlighting raising chickens. It included some beautiful pictures of these surprisingly colorful and pretty birds. This was one of the prize winners!
Eggs.
One of the coolest things was the exhibition hall full of prize winning vegetables. The garlic was especially competitive this year.
First place leeks!
The gourds and squash were quite interesting. These galeux d'esyines squash were neat.
And so were these snake gourds.
More squash.
And the canning section. Reminded me of Grandma. Canning is how Mainers keep variety in their food through the cold, long winter--when you eventually get tired of all the root vegetables.
One of the coolest parts of the fair was the sheep dog demonstration. These border collies were the smartest and happiest dogs I've ever seen. They move sheep with their eyes. They lower their head, raise their rump and slowly approach the sheep. The sheep see their intimidating posture and their glaring eyes and follow orders!
And some of the people of Maine. Chair maker. Blacksmith. And hippy/pirate with hairy armpits telling us about evil corporate America
2 comments:
Maine, the way life should be. Can I say it enough. This looks like an amazing fair. A wonderful activity for your last weekend as a couple with no kids! wahhooo.
Great pics.
I would have loved to go with you guys. Thanks for the pics. Ya, living it up, I see! Next year you'll be there again with baby girl. In her front pack.
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