Contributed photo/Fort Fairfield Chamber
PRESQUE ISLE — The 36th annual Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair was held over the weekend of April 9-10 at The Forum in Presque Isle and once again was a boon for companies, customers, and The County alike.
Thousands attended the trade fair, flocking to the Forum to test the latest tools and technology supporting work done in the fields, forests and farms of Aroostook County and beyond.
“Once again it was difficult for the judges to hone in on the best of the best, as much care and craftsmanship goes into the displays of the more than 50 exhibitors that populate the Trade Fair floor,” said Tim Goff, economic and marketing director/executive director Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. “While many booths were fitting finalists, newcomers Aroostook Milling Company brought home the top prize as the ‘Best in Show’ among small booths.”
Ringed by farm gates, with a trough full of free animal feed samples, the Aroostook Milling booth was a hit with lovers of livestock and household pets alike. The folks at Aroostook Milling are already planning their layout for next year, and believe going bigger may be even better, as they have a tremendous amount of supplies to support agriculture operations large and small they would like to showcase at this annual event.
Taking home the top prize in the large booth category was perennial powerhouse Crown Equipment, with their sparkling display of tractors and farm equipment. It takes a team of Crown employees several days to polish these mammoth machines to get them show ready, and their efforts shine through with an exhibit that elicits oohs and aahs from the farmers and young fellers alike who clamber over, under and around the machines to bask in their beauty.
With exhibitors coming from every corner of the County and beyond, the ultimate winner is the local economy, thanks to an influx of foot traffic and increased awareness about the many area businesses serving the needs of their friends and neighbors.
Plans are already being made to enhance next year’s show by the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, which has organized the event since its inception.
“After an Easter induced delay, the Northern Maine Agri-Business Trade Fair will return to its more familiar spot on the calendar, the last weekend in March, with fair dates being March 25-26 in 2017. For more information about the Trade Fair, which has been planting the seeds that help business grow since 1980, contact Goff at 472-3802 or email tgoff@forfairfield.org.
