UNITY — The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association seeks volunteers for the 48th annual Common Ground Country Fair, set for Sept. 20-22.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers help to produce MOFGA’s premier event to celebrate rural living. The fair features 1,000-plus exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living, and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture.
Drawing more than 60,000 attendees, the Common Ground Country Fair relies on the support of volunteers from across Maine and beyond. Volunteers plug into every aspect of the event, from helping to direct traffic and greeting those who bicycle to the fair, to sorting composting and recycling to reduce waste at the event, to coordinating the many activities in the children’s area.
In exchange for a four-hour shift, volunteers receive a T-shirt, fair admission on the day of their shift, a one-night camping voucher, and a meal prepared by the volunteer-run Common Kitchen.
Volunteers who work multiple shifts receive additional meals, camping vouchers, and days of free admission. Working a set-up shift during the week before the event or a clean-up shift during the days after the fair will earn the same benefits.
MOFGA especially seeks people to volunteer during the days after the fair, when there is a lot to do in a short amount of time. Every year the Common Ground Country Fair ends with a special event on Sunday afternoon and evening — a raffle for all of the volunteers who help on that day. Volunteers who have completed a Sunday shift gather to celebrate their work. Tables are filled with prizes donated by the fair’s exhibitors, including items such as pottery, woodenware, candles, dried herbs and flowers, and artwork.
To browse available shifts and sign up, set up a free volunteer profile at mofga.vomo.org. People interested in bringing a group or who would prefer to register over the phone or by email, contact Timothy Boston, MOFGA’s community engagement coordinator, at [email protected] or 978-255-3180.