Many visitors to the Pine Tree State don’t realize how large the agriculture business is in Maine. With thousands of farms and rich soil to support diverse crops, Maine supplies the United States and the world with a variety of commodities. If you ate blueberries and maple syrup on your pancakes this morning, there’s a good chance they came from Maine.
In addition to “pick-your-own” opportunities, Maine invites locals and visitors to celebrate the abundance with agricultural festivals and fairs throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip to York Harbor soon, be sure to include one of these ag fests on your itinerary.
- Harvest on the Harbor
- Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
- Wild Blueberry Weekend
- Maine Potato Blossom Festival
- Common Ground County Fair
Harvest on the Harbor
Harvest on the Harbor is a culinary celebration hosted by the city of Portland, ME. The festival showcases chefs, cheese makers, brewers, distillers, and other food innovators who highlight local Maine agriculture.
The weekend event takes place in late October (check the site for updated information) and puts the spotlight on Maine’s diverse and delicious food culture. Visitors can purchase tickets separately for special events hosted by Harvest on the Harbor.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
What’s fall without a pumpkinfest? The annual Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is a chance to view some of the most amazing and creative carved and decorated pumpkins you’ll ever see. Events like Pumpkinboat Building, the Pumpkin Drop, and the Pumpkin Parade draw visitors far and wide. However, there’s no question that the highlight of the festival is the Pumpkinboat Regatta.
Dubbed the “extreme sport of gardening,” the regatta features giant gourds racing through the waters of the Damariscotta River in outrageous regalia. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is scheduled in mid-October each year. Check the website for exact dates.
Wild Blueberry Weekend
Blueberry farms, restaurants, wineries, distilleries, bars, and snack shops state-wide join in a celebration of all things blueberry on Wild Blueberry Weekend (the first weekend of August every year). You’ll find some type of blueberry celebration in almost every town, village, and harbor.
You can make your way across the state eating and drinking wild blueberry-themed foods like blueberry ice cream or blueberry cider. Also, be on the lookout for blueberry-inspired crafts and gifts to bring home.
Maine Potato Blossom Festival
The Maine Potato Blossom Festival is a week-long celebration of the agricultural heritage in Aroostook County. The event happens every year in July in Fort Fairfield. Those interested can check the Maine Potato Blossom Festival website in early February for specifics about each year’s planned events.
The Potato Blossom Fest is one of Maine’s most beloved agricultural celebrations and is one of the oldest agricultural festivals in the state. Be ready for a jam-packed schedule of old-fashioned fun, including a parade everyone in the family will enjoy.
Common Ground County Fair
The Common Ground County Fair is held in mid-September and is a celebration of Maine’s organic farmers. The event is held in Unity, ME, and features over 1,000 vendors, exhibitors, and speakers. Highlights include live music, a children’s area, and the wildly popular Harry S. Truman Manure Pitch Off.
The fair’s mission is to educate the public on the importance of organic agriculture and advocate for organic growers on all levels. Fairgoers can learn, enjoy delicious organic goods, and find resources to help them learn new sustainable gardening and farming methods.
Come Celebrate Maine Agriculture
Whether you plan your visit during Wild Maine Blueberry Weekend or decide to bring the family to the Damariscotta Pumpkinboat Regatta, joining in the celebration of Maine’s rich agricultural history will be a great addition to your trip. Just remember to bring your appetite, your walking shoes, and your sense of culinary adventure.
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