The first annual Rural Living Day was held at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton last month. The event was co-sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service and the Southern Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Agent, Linda Trickey and Angie Wotton of the Southern Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation Service co-chaired the event. The event is patterned after Maine’s Common Ground Fair. Trickey was pleased with how it came together.
“This is something that I have wanted to see in Aroostook since I moved here 30 years ago. It became increasingly difficult for me and my family to attend the Maine Organic Farmers’ & Gardeners’ event held in Unity and knowing how difficult it was for me I assumed that others might never have had the opportunity to make the trip,” she said.
“There is a resurgence of young farmers moving to the area and this felt like it might be a good time to provide an opportunity for them to learn more about small scale farming and what it might entail,” Trickey added.
The day encompassed a wide variety of mini-workshops that introduced small farming practices and opportunities to the general public and provided training and information to improve economic and environmental sustainability of small farms. Some of the workshops provided information on: soil health and your garden, growing blueberries and raspberries, raising livestock and poultry, canning and food preservation, buying used farm equipment, livestock barns and fences, pasture health and forage, cheese-making, bread and butter making, sustainable bee-keeping, and using local herbs for health.
Participants also enjoyed demonstrations by local basket-maker, Richard Silliboy; Northern Woodturners, Dee Cote and Joe Inman; and weaver, Lainey Lloyd of Ludlow. There was an apple pie contest and children’s activities that included picking potatoes, veggie art painting, making wild-flower seed paper, jump rope making and pass the corn. Many farm animals were also on hand for children to view.
The workshops were located in various areas of the SAAM grounds and visitors were also able to tour the museum. Lunch was provided by the County Co-op under the direction of Jane Torres.
The co-directors hope to make this an annual event. Anyone wishing more information may contact Trickey at 532-6548 or by email at cesas@umext.maine.edu or Wotton at 532-2087 or by email at angela.wotton@me.nacdnet.net.
