{"id":85906,"date":"2026-01-14T13:54:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/?post_type=news&p=85906"},"modified":"2026-01-14T13:54:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T18:54:56","slug":"50th-annual-common-ground-country-fair-design-reveal","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.mofga.org\/news\/50th-annual-common-ground-country-fair-design-reveal\/","title":{"rendered":"50th Annual Common Ground Country Fair Design Reveal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"2026<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Earlier today, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) unveiled its 50th annual Common Ground Country Fair design at the Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fair designs are intended to represent the values of the largest organic fair in the country, and are coveted by fairgoers from around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I studied the previous posters for the fair and enjoyed the array of plants and animals selected to represent it each year,\u201d says Brenda McGuinness, artist of the 2026 design. \u201cI noticed that while a wide variety of farm animals had been featured over the years, there hadn’t yet been a poster that focused primarily on a dog.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an avid spectator at sheepdog trials in both Ireland and Maine, McGuinness  has long been fascinated by the quiet bond between dog and handler. Witnessing how they understand the task and each other is, she says, something truly special and deserving of celebration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This was my 3rd year entering the poster contest,” McGuinness adds. “And I thought how incredible it would be if the poster for the 50th anniversary of the fair featured a sheepdog. I was understandably elated when this dream became a reality!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 50th annual fair will be held September 25, 26, and 27, 2026, in Unity, Maine. With five decades of sharing MOFGA\u2019s commitment to organic farming and gardening, the fair aims to inspire the wider community to continue to build common ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe fair is a testament to the strength of MOFGA\u2019s community \u2014 the volunteers, vendors, and fairgoers who make the event possible,\u201d says April Boucher, fair director. \u201cIt is also a reminder of the continued need for a deepened connection around land stewardship and sustainable living.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MOFGA is celebrating the 50th annual fair year-round with a variety of events. A silent auction<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>will be held February 13 through 23 featuring one-of-a-kind memorabilia, unique experiences, and community storytelling. The auction will raise funds to support MOFGA\u2019s mission of supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe 50th fair isn\u2019t just a weekend celebration, it\u2019s a yearlong opportunity to honor the community that built it,\u201d says Mary Weitzman, membership and development director. \u201cThroughout 2026, we\u2019ll be celebrating the people, creativity, and shared values that have made the fair such a powerful gathering place for 50 years, and looking ahead to how we\u2019ll nurture that spirit for the next 50.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More information can be found at mofga.org\/the-fair<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. MOFGA\u2019s vision is a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, and sustains thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and fair economies. We accomplish this through our mission to transform our food system by supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. Learn more at mofga.org.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

# # #<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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