Common Ground Country Fair breaks attendance records

More than 69,000 people descended on the small Waldo County town of Unity this past weekend to attend the Common Ground Country Fair.

That’s the highest number ever for the three-day event celebrating rural living and organic agriculture, organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

“While MOFGA is not aiming to break records, the number of fairgoers speaks to the importance of, and interest in, supporting a thriving rural economy,” the organization said in a statement.

Organizers recorded 69,424 fairgoers, breaking the 2022 record of 67,858. The 48-year-old fair features educational events, speakers, exhibits, organization booths, music, dancing, farmers market areas and sales of local organic products.

2024 Common Ground Fair

Photos: Common Ground Country Fair attracts thousands on opening day

Organizers said before the fair that they aimed to expand Sunday programming and attract more attendees that day this year.

MOFGA Executive Director Sarah Alexander said in a statement that the fair is a “huge economic driver” for local businesses in Unity and beyond.

Planning has begun for next year’s fair, which will run Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19-21, 2025.