All’s fair in Unity

By Tony Reaves

Posted on Sept. 26, 2002, at 12:00 a.m.

“How did so many freaks get into one place?” This statement was overheard from a woman talking on a cell phone at the 26th annual Common Ground Fair last Sunday in Unity. The fair, organized each year by the Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association, ran Sept. 20 – 22.

The “freaks” included old hippies, new hippies, punks and all sorts of political activists. However, the estimated 60,000 fairgoers in attendance came from every walk of Maine life to see the 650 vendors, exhibitions and demonstrations on the fairgrounds. Some 1,500 volunteers kept the fairgrounds clean and events running smoothly.

Dozens of entertainers took to various stages, from the Maine Organization of Storytelling Enthusiasts to the lively Inanna Sisters in Rhythm. There were demonstrations teaching fairgoers about growing garlic, chainsaw maintenance and virtually everything in between.

Vendors were also selling MOFGA-certified, organically grown fruits, vegetables and flowers. MOFGA does not permit use of processed sugar on the fairgrounds, so prepared food was sweetened with honey or other organic means. There was no soda or other pre-packaged food.

The fair featured a debate between gubernatorial candidates John Baldacci, Jonathan Carter, and John Michael as well as one between Chellie Pingree and Susan Collins, with the future of Maine agriculture as the central topic.

Near the organic fruit vendors, local organizations showed off various technological innovations. UMaine Engineering brought along a solar-powered truck and an electric sports car they had built.

“[The fair is] a golden opportunity to showcase our ideas and accomplishment to the general public,” said Brendan Browne, a second-year engineering student. Browne said the fair was helpful in attracting potential donators and cited lack of funds as a roadblock to building a new, more efficient vehicle. Browne spent Saturday and Sunday explaining to fairgoers “the superior power and efficiency that electric vehicles have over gas.”

Under the social and political action tents, various organizations, private schools, political parties and bookstores passed out information to the curious. Fairgoers could collect pamphlets from Amnesty International, the Green Party, midwifery organizations, an anarchist collective and a magnet school in Limestone.

College groups came from all over New England making up a large percentage of the fair volunteers.

“The fair just gets bigger every year,” Suzy Varin, a student at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics said.

Varin, whose family belongs to MOFGA, has been attending the fair for years. Varin volunteered in the children’s area for four hours, and like all volunteers received free admission, a meal and a Common Ground Fair T-shirt.

“I probably have 10 of these shirts at home from other years I’ve been to the fair,” Varin said. “I guess I’ll just add this one to the collection.”

Campus Currents: Common Ground Fair