The 41st annual Common Ground Country Fair will take place Sept. 23and 24 at the home of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in Unity. The event celebrates rural and sustainable living in Maine. The fair is unique because there are no midway carnivals, fast food or games of chance, according to a MOFGA news release.

“Vendors, demonstrators, entertainers and exhibitors feature traditional skills, talent, local organic food, and made-in-Maine crafts,” said Fair Director April Boucher, according to the release. “Common Ground has some of the most delicious food of any fair in Maine. MOFGA places a great deal of emphasis on educating people about available alternatives for living healthfully, happily and comfortably in the Northeast.”

Each day, there are hundreds of talks, demonstrations and exhibits focusing on healthy and environmentally sound living. The fair’s activities are spread out over 40-plus acres of well-tended land adorned by perennial gardens, walkways and orchards.

The success and continued growth of the fair is attributable to donations and the loyalty of MOFGA’s volunteer community.

Throughout the fair weekend, there will be livestock shows, contests and demonstrations featuring draft horses and ponies, dairy cattle and oxen, donkeys and mules, goats and sheep, poultry, rabbits, llamas and alpacas, and pigs. Sheep Dog demonstrations will take placen three times a day.

Dozens of Maine’s entertainers will perform in the Amphitheater, on the Spotlight Stage, and as rovers around the fairgrounds.

The Children’s Area is a mini-fair in itself. There are countless free activities for children, and there is a stage with entertainment for families. A children’s garden parade winds around The Common twice daily. All are welcome to don garden costumes and march.

The fair is held rain or shine. MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center is on the Crosby Brook Road in Unity. Gates open at 9 a.m.

MOFGA offers free admission to the fair for its members. Tickets at the gate cost $15 for general admission or $10 for elders.

For more information, call 568-4142 or visit mofga.org.