Two unique  Maine
festivals
build
community —
Article and Photos by
Ramona du Houx
Maine is noted for
it’s hospitably and industrious workers who still believe in community. With
celebrations marking calendars for all seasons there are some that truly stand out. The
Common Ground Fair and the Bangor Folk festival brought people from every area of the
state together as one community.
The Bangor Folk
Festival—
Wide-eyed children,
enthusiastic revelers, music and food lovers all converged in Bangor for the sixth Folk
Festival last August during the region’s largest community event with over 170,000
people attending.
The energy and
excitement were palpable as people set up their chairs in anticipation of one of the 26
international bands that were scheduled to play. Families gathered and cheers of joy were
heard as people met up with friends.
Chief Monk Boudreaux
performs at the Bangor Folk Festival
"It brings
together the community in a way that generates so much pride. People give their all to the
festival. As we say — it brings Bangor to the world and the world to Bangor. People
dared to have a dream and then they decided to reach for that dream," said Maria
Baeza who was in charge of the event. "It’s just unbelievable what it does for
the town and the surrounding area. It pulls the community together in this universal
language of song, music and dance. To be able to share in other people’s culture
brings that world closer together. It’s just magical."
Bangor won the
spot to host the National Folk Festival six years ago. For the last three years the city
has continued the Festival.
"It demonstrates,
in the governor's hometown, the powerful impact the arts can play in generating both
business and entertainment. This Bangor folk festival shows that Maine can win a national
competition and, with strong public-private support, maintain that effort in making a
lasting and important economic and social impact," said Lee Umphrey, formerly
Governor Baldacci’s communications director, who was employed by the City of Bangor
as coordinator for community and government affairs when the Folk Festival started.
 Over 850 fair volunteers are
dedicated to their work and return year after year.
"This is my big
volunteer event of the year," said Jack Weinstein, "and I love being backstage
with the performers. The ambience, the place, the energy and crowds I love. Bangor is
wonderful. Bangor has become more culturally aware since the festival has started here.
It’s been great."
Community members,
companies, and sponsors all pay for the festival; there has never been an entrance fee,
and McCarthy hopes there never will be. Volunteers, known as the bucket brigade, walk
around the fair soliciting contributions with buckets.
Governor John Baldacci
announced a donation of $20,000 from the contingency fund. (photo)
"Look at all the
people," said the governor waving his hand towards a sea of fair goers. "This
fair draws people into the region. It brings families who eat in restaurants, stay in
hotels and shop downtown. The ripple effect economically is tremendous and everyone is
having a great time."
That economic impact is
estimated to bring in close to six million dollars over the weekend. Maine revelers come
from as far away Aroostook County and Kittery.
"This festival is
important for the community, our state and our cultural heritage. There is so much
community pride putting on this event for everyone who comes. Culturally there is
absolutely no way people in Maine would have the opportunity to see this many different
performing groups that come straight from the heart of so many cultural traditions - free
of charge. It’s really the only opportunity we have to do this in Maine. The more
things like this you have, the more viable Bangor becomes as a venue for artists. The
festival hass provided a cultural cornerstone that has spread out into a lot of
areas," said Heather McCarthy, the festival’s executive director.
Unity’s
Statewide Community Fair is Common Ground for all who attend—
They came from all around,
all over the state, and beyond. They came with common interests and hopes for the future.
Some attended the Common Ground Fair for the first time; some have been coming for the
past 31 years. Some came for the crafts, others for the seminars, workshops, or the
entertainment. Those who wanted to learn about alternative lifestyles, organic farming,
and energy efficient power found invaluable resources.
"It’s great.
The kids loved the animals and we learned a lot about renewable energy, and
composting," said Robert Williams who attended the fair with his wife Michelle and
two children from Oakland. "With the problem they had nationally with E. coli
bacteria on greens and spinach, we think it’s safer to buy local. It’s also
helping the community we live in, and that’s important to us." Williams is a
computer software programmer. "We moved from Massachusetts because we liked it
better. It’s a great feeling knowing that we can access the coast and mountains.
People here are great," he said.
 John and Michelle Pino of Mooar Hill Farm own 43 acres. Michelle said it was her
social responsibility to do something sustainable with the land, so they began organic
farming. Their enticing display had pepper plants, watermelons, and the aroma of the wide
variety of their potted herbs filled the air.
"We all need to
look down the road and see what the future may be. What we do now will determine what the
future will be. It’s sustainable to farm organic," said Michelle. "We
wouldn’t do it any other way." Michelle also works in administration for social
services. "I couldn’t do the one without the other. It’s a balance.
Kyle DePiertro’s
Squire Tarbox Farm display had tomatoes so red they didn’t appear real. Eggplants,
green peppers, and harvest foods were illuminated in the late summer sun. During the
summer DePietro puts in 70 hours weekly, farming and harvesting oysters.
"I’ve
been doing this for five years," said DePietro. "My parents bought and Inn on
Westport Island and wanted to make sure the food my father prepared was organically grown.
One thing led to another, and I now have a small farm of about ten acres."
Curra Family Farmstand have been organic growers
since 2000. "People have begun to really open up their eyes to the benefits of
organically grown food. The Get Real Get Maine and the Buy Local programs have helped. The
lifestyle you lead farming organically makes your really appreciate what you have. I miss
it," said Amy Buckley, the Curra’s daughter who lives in Massachusetts. "I
work on the Cape, and I come home every time I get. My son spent six weeks with my father
on the farm and couldn’t wait to get back here. Maine is the best place to be —
with the best people. I really hope more people realize how lucky we have it in
Maine."
Organic farmers came
from all over the state, and venders come from as far away as Machias.
Tom St. John has been
providing food extraordinaire at the fair for 26 years. His barbequed eggplant with hummus
had people standing in line. Inspired from the fair’s community spirit 14 years ago
St. John opened The Bull Ox Salon in Machias, "Everyone has to eat," he said St.
John modestly.
 For three days over 70,000 people committed to
helping a sustainable future in their own ways came together.
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