Common Ground Country Fair Celebrates 50 Years of a Beloved Maine Tradition in Unity

Common Ground Turns 50

If you’ve been to the Common Ground Country Fair before, you already know this isn’t your typical fair. There’s no midway full of rides. Instead, you’ll find farmers, gardeners, craftspeople, live music, Maine food and the kind of demonstrations that might have you going home convinced you should start raising sheep or finally plant that garden.

This year, though, there’s another reason to go: Common Ground is turning 50.

MOFGA held the first Common Ground Country Fair in 1977, and five decades later it has become a pretty remarkable Maine tradition. The 50th annual fair runs September 25–27 at the Common Ground Education Center, in Unity. Hours are 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

A Little Extra for Year 50

They’re marking the milestone with some fun throwbacks, including a parade of Common Ground T-shirts from over the years and a special Exhibition Hall display. That feels fitting because those shirts and their artwork have become almost as recognizable as the fair itself.

And there’s plenty happening beyond the anniversary celebration: 700-plus scheduled events and more than 600 exhibitors and vendors, along with live music, two farmers’ markets, demonstrations and kids’ favorites like the hay jump and making corn husk dolls.

Fifty years is a long run for any Maine tradition. This one seems worth celebrating.