Attend Common Ground Country Fair

Common Ground Country Fair is a beloved, Maine autumn tradition, drawing hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and a whole host of fun, family activities and events to attend. This year’s event will be held September 20th through the 22nd, 2024 at the fairgrounds in Unity, ME.

There’s nothing quite like a country fair to put a smile on your face and very few country fairs like Common Ground Country Fair. Common Ground is one of New England’s top fairs, held the third weekend after Labor Day every year.

The three-day event celebrates organic living, farming, and growing. It showcases the area’s quality food producers and dedication to healthy living with games, races, animal shows, and so much more.

Common Ground Country Fair has been celebrating the fruits of Maine rural living every fall since 1977.

Not Your Average Fair

If you enjoy country fairs, you’ll love the Common Ground Fair. There were over 60,000 visitors to last year. And who can blame them, with so much to do and see?

The Unity Fairgrounds include a working organic farm, a sustainably managed woodlot, organic orchards, and demonstration gardens. The fair draws hundreds of exhibitors, farmers, crafters, vendors, and entertainers. You’ll see livestock, fresh organic produce, handcrafted goods, agricultural demonstrations, live entertainment, food, drink, and more.

Common Ground Country Fair attendees and spinning wheelThe fair also includes a variety of special events you won’t want to miss.

Presentations from farmers, artisans, chefs, and others. The most amazing feats showcased at the fair may be by theCommon Ground Country Fair booth animals, not the people. Attractions like the Sheep Dog Demonstrations, the Donkey and Mule Show, and the Draft Horse Show are some of the best of the fair.

Looking to get involved yourself? You can always register for the Common Ground 5K or the popular Harry S. Truman Games. This latter is a hilarious manure chucking contest, with contestants judged for distance and accuracy. Great fun and laughs all around.

Getting There

Guests of Captain Nickels Inn will be happy to learn that the fairgrounds are only about 30 minutes away from our Maine Coast bed and breakfast. The drive inland is a beautiful and easy one and your destination is well worth the effort.

Spend a fun day at the fair then head back to the comforts of your room at our oceanfront Maine bed and breakfast on Penobscot Bay.

To get to the Common Ground Country Fair Fairgrounds in Unity, ME:

  • Take a left from the Inn drive to head southwest on US-1.
  • Stay on US-1 ’til Belfast, ME, around 6.5 miles (10.4 km), then take the exit onto ME-137.
  • Follow ME-137 northwest for around 15.2 miles (24.4 km), then take a right on ME-220 N
  • Continue north on ME-220 N for around 4 miles (6.4 km) until you reach the Crosby Brook Road/Berry Road Intersection.
  • Take a left on Crosby Brook Road and follow it for around half a mile (0.8 km), until you see signs on your right for the Unity Fairground.

Common Ground Country Fair

September 20th, 21st & 22nd, 2024

Gates open at 9am every day, with vendors open until 6pm Friday and Saturday, 5pm on Sunday.

Visit www.mofga.org to learn more. You can also follow the fair on Facebook.

 

Updated March 2024

Looking Towards Spring

A tapestry of vibrant blooms, where sunlight dances on shimmering shores

After a busy summer season, the inn will be quiet for most of the winter as we continue our renovation projects and grab a few quiet weeks rest for ourselves. Our hearts are turning towards spring, eager to bask in its transformative magic.

Consider a stay in the Willard Room – our newest luxury accommodation! Located on the third floor, it offers added privacy. Updated amenities such as a walk-in jetted shower and sitting room provide luxury comforts.