Free Fun on the Farm
2017-06-08

Free Fun on the Farm

Guest Blogger: Patricia Sutherland, chair of Aroostook County Tourism board and Andrea Gregg, family host

As a native of Aroostook and long-time cheerleader for the County, I welcome you to come visit us this summer. Practically every weekend during the summer and fall, there are free, fun, family-friendly festivals and events hosted by our communities and families. Come experience real Aroostook County hospitality!

With freshly planted fields, animals grazing on green pasture, and flowers in bloom, June is a great time to be in Aroostook County. A visit to the Gregg family at Maple Meadow Farms in Mapleton during the last weekend of June (June 24 and 25) will have you catching up with old friends and making new ones. For the 10th year, this fifth generation family farm hosts a free celebration of agricultural and rural living and invites the public to share in true country camaraderie.

Folks can enjoy watching draft horses work the land using antique and modern implements, see them participate in draft horse games, take a wagon ride, and even have a hand at picking potatoes after being dug with a one row digger. An artisanal blacksmith will demonstrate how a forge and anvil work and keep you entertained with stories from days gone by. Have you ever wanted to swing a scythe? Experts will show you how to mow and then give you the opportunity to try. There are many demonstrations and exhibits to enjoy as you meander through the festival.

Children free range at Farm Fest and enjoy learning opportunities through 4H demonstrations, art, literacy, and exploratory play. They love munching on kettle corn, climb hay bales, painting, and riding the tractor train all while moms and dads enjoy catching up with friends and listening to live music. It’s a place to relax and slow down the pace of modern living.

Delicious food will have you staying for lunch, and who can resist a slice of farm fresh pie? Vendors educate guests on plant identification, the healing properties of herbs, how soap is made, and will appraise your antiques if you bring them with you. Many artists - such as painters, jewelers, musicians, carvers, and fiber artists - display their beautifully crafted items to browse all day.

Maple Meadow Farm has strong agricultural roots and recognizes the importance of maintaining and preserving our agricultural and rural heritage. Farm Fest is an event that brings folks together to celebrate those traditions on a working farm. The Gregg Family welcomes folks to join them for a weekend of Farm Fest ... family friendly, fun and free!