AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — Micmac Farms will join more than 100 farms across the state, and two others in Aroostook County, in welcoming the public to Open Farm Day events on Sunday, July 22.
The Maine Department of Agriculture is sponsoring the 29th annual event.
According to Jacob Pelkey, Micmac Farms marketing manager, Open Farm Day is designed to bring awareness to local agriculture and the importance of Maine farms. All farms are invited to open their doors to the public on July 22 to share their mission and provide an interactive experience.
Micmac Farms, located at 1353 Presque Isle Road, Caribou, will host the community from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free samples of their local Maine brook trout, tours of the 34,000-gallon recirculating fish hatchery, lawn games, a coloring table, gift basket giveaway and educational displays.
Organized family fun events will include: at 11:30 a.m., children’s water balloon toss; 11:50 a.m., children’s three-legged race; and 12:10 p.m., children’s sack race. The winner of each event will receive a prize of a pint of salsa.
At 12:50 p.m., adults can compete in the men’s hay bale toss and the women’s skillet throw, each with a prize of 1.2 pounds of fresh brook trout.
Farm organizers said they hope families will leave the event having had a fun, hands-on experience, while also gaining an understanding of local food production, land-based aquaculture and the facility’s pledge not to use antibiotics or harmful chemicals.
The Department of Agriculture reported that Doak’s Maple Ridge Farms of Woodland will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This sheep and chicken farm features a store with lamb, pork, preserves, maple products and goat soap.
In addition, McElwain’s Strawberry Farm of Caribou plans to open from 12 to 4 p.m. Visitors can explore the farm with a tractor-drawn wagon ride, pick strawberries and enjoy ice cream.
