CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR

On 2026-09-16, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E942] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR ______ HON. CHELLIE PINGREE of maine in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Common Ground Country Fair and the organization that makes it possible, The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). If you are from Maine, you have most likely attended the Common Ground Country Fair. This celebration of food, friends, and organic farming takes place every September, and for over 50 years has brought together hundreds of thousands of Mainers of all ages and from all walks of life. The first fair, conceived as a harvest celebration, drew over 10,000 people to Litchfield--now nearly 70,000 people visit this wonderful gathering--from Maine and many distant locations. While its location has changed and size has grown, the character has stayed the same, and that is the fair's beauty. When most Americans think of fairs, they envision Ferris wheels, a brightly lighted midway, and cotton candy. None of that can be found at the Common Ground Fair--but it is a very unique and fun gathering and people wait all year for the fair weekend to come around again. At the fairgrounds in Unity, there are animal barns, crop plots, demonstrations of everything from canning tomatoes to making compost to sheering a sheep. Perhaps most valued are the rows and rows of food booths--ice cream to fresh cider, baked beans to lamb kebobs--virtually all Maine grown and organic--and absolutely delicious. The fair features 1,000 plus exhibits and speakers that capture the importance of rural and sustainable living in our state. It celebrates farmers, artisans, crafters, and musicians--all the incredible individuals who make our food system possible and our communities so vibrant. This anniversary is near and dear to my heart. I have been associated with MOFGA nearly from its beginning--as an employee, a board member and a beneficiary of its programs. In 1974, I had the pleasure of serving as MOFGA's first apprentice working for Tony and Mary Bok on their Hillside Farm in Camden. I planted and weeded vegetables, packed loose hay into the loft of their historic barn, and learned to milk their Guernsey cows by hand. After that experience, I helped to formalize MOFGA's apprentice program, which has given hundreds of young people a start in farming, learning the best way possible with their own hands from the people who work our farms every day. This program fostered my love of organic, sustainable, and locally focused agriculture and food system reform. In my D.C. and District offices, my walls are covered in Common Ground Country Fair posters designed each year by Maine artists. There is no better reminder of the spirit of our state's history and culture and what it's all about-- coming together to celebrate and carry forward responsible agricultural and rural living practices. I congratulate MOFGA and all the people who, for the past 50 years, have made this amazing gathering happen. I hope to see everyone in Unity soon. ____________________