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MAAF NEWSLETTER
JULY/AUGUST
2026
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I know this newsletter finds many of you in the mist of preparing for your fairs, all your hard work will be appreciated by our fair partners and by the fair attendees.
Remember this is the Year of Woman Farmer, and I hope you all will be recognizing a person during your fairs. Please submit your information to Junia so that it can be included in upcoming newsletters.
The conference committee is hard at work preparing an outstanding event for January 2027. Be sure to watch for more exciting news in the upcoming newsletters.
We’re happy to announce the Zone 1 dates for next year in New Brunswick. Please remember the MAAF Foundation has grant monies available. Just check out their website, at maaffound.com
Hope to see many of you at the fairs this summer, and please remember Fairs are the best way to inform the public about agriculture. Barry
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UPCOMING FAIRS
DATES, TIMES, WEBSITES
CLICK HERE
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FAIRS REPORT
Welcome to the 2026 Maine Agricultural Fair Season!!
Mother Nature welcomed the 2026 fair season with her typical Maine greeting.. Rain! Everything was in place - animals,vendors,rides,volunteers and then…rain!
Springfield Fair received the first showers, and it caused a few muddy spots around the fairgrounds. However, to make up for that, the weather following was outstanding! The fairgoers arrived on Throwback Thursday and continued arriving through Sunday! The extra hard work on behalf of the fair staff and volunteers was evident from the fresh paint and sawdust, the familiar faces of the “spinners” and , of course, the hot dogs and hamburgers from the Springfield Fire Department - all combined for the perfect way to enjoy a Maine fair. Facebook comments included: “Thank you for bringing life back to the fair!..Thank you for making these kids happy!” “Yesterday was the first time in my life I got to experience what a parent feels like when their kid is happy from such a wonderful time going to the fair”. A brand-new website helped visitors plan their days as well as purchase online advance tickets. *Notice the “look back” at past Springfield Fairs - the poster collection, memories of Greta’s fair food and a larger than life tribute to a local daredevil stunt man, CRASH (Jim Moreau).
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Not to be out done, Pittston Fair was also greeted with rain and accompanying gusts of wind. However,by the time arrived for the Strawberry pageant, the rain and wind had departed, and the event was held under cover to a standing room only crowd. Pageant Director Liz Chaisson introduced the 2025 reigning strawberry royalty. Little Blossom- Scarlett Irish, Princess - Hailey Damren and Strawberry Queen - Kaelyn Brillant. Then the 2026 contestants were announced. Several girls competed in each category ,and the 2026 Strawberry Queen is Kylie Hutchinson . Competitors in each category joined together for a group photograph at the conclusion of the pageant. Also highlighted at the fair was their recognition of Hannah Weeks for the Year of the Maine Woman Farmer.
| Monmouth Fair was also held during a bit of a damp weather spell. Presented by the Cochnewagan Agricultural Association in Monmouth, this fair proudly recognized the roles that senior citizens, military veterans and, notably, their extensive list of fair sponsors (individuals, local businesses, fraternal organizations) have all played in ensuring that the 2026 fair was outstanding. Monmouth took to heart the Poultry theme and introduced young and old fairgoers to a broody hen, special treats in plastic eggs, and, in the children’s area, an extraordinary fort made out of over a hundred egg cartons ! A highlight in the children’s area were the large painted butterfly wings - perfect for families to have their pictures taken within. As the summer fairs begin in July, with it comes the heat and humidity. 14 fairs from the southern border to Canada. Make this summer an egg-citing one and look around and notice the outstanding Women in Maine Agriculture. | | |
MAAF 2027 ANNUAL MEETING
JANUARY 21-24
BANGOR CIVIC CENTER
A preview of what the MAAF Conference committee is working on recently and what else you might be interested in attending. A few topics being considered on this list:
Friday afternoon: 2 PM, Courtney Hinds will present a session titled Everyday Ag - a Free-to-Use Education Program. Agriculture is the heart of fairs, but how do we make it accessible and engaging for today’s fairgoers? This session focuses on Everyday Ag designed to connect the public with agriculture though interactive exhibits, hand-on experiences and storytelling. Key Takeaways are: Explore interactive strategies to make agriculture fun and educational, and discover ways to highlight local agriculture and connect with fairgoers.A Value Added feature is that attendees gain access to the Everyday Ag education program which is free to use, multifaceted and fully customizable to fit your fair.
Saturday morning: 8:30 AM Penny Mcbride. Ten Things We Need LESS. We live in a world of bigger, faster, more, now. In part because we understand bigger, we can measure faster, we can assign value to more and we all want ity now. But mostly because no one hands out awards for smaller, slower, less and later. But maybe we should! This keynote explores the profound organizational and personal value of choosing less to experience more. Values-driven culture, authentic experiences, meaningful quality and organizational sustainability all begin with LESS.
Programs are also being looked at that include new presenters for previous topics - for example, Lynn Copp will facilitate the Exhibition Hall meeting but with a new format.
More to come in September -
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2027 MAAF ANNUAL CONFERENCE
BANGOR, MAINE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED
Penny C. McBride is the former Producer of the Light The Night Christmas Parade, an illuminated night parade, which more than doubles the population of the community of Fredericksburg,
Texas and is viewed live by 17,000 households on CBS Austin. She has more than 30 years of experience in event management and tourism and economic development. She continues to work as a consultant, speaker, trainer and writer. Her speaking clients have included the Argentina Economic Development Federation, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, Hawaii Tourism Authority and Community Associations Institute. Penny enjoys traveling (46 countries and counting!), writing, photography, drawing and volunteering, with a passion for rural healthcare, elder care and underserved populations.
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YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER
IN THE STATE OF MAINE
2026 has been proclaimed as the Year of the Woman Farmer in Maine. This designation aligns with the United Nations designation of the International Year of Woman Farmers and led nationally by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. During the Maine Ag Commissioner’s Luncheon at the January Ag Trade Show, Commissioner Amanda Beal shared that through 2026 Maine will highlight women farmers and agricultural leaders. “The Governor’s proclamation is an opportunity to honor woman farmers, past and present, and future farmers, especially the young women entering agriculture, and further position Maine as a national leader in advancing opportunity and innovation in agriculture.”
Each Maine agricultural fair is being encouraged to select a woman in agriculture from their geographic area to receive this recognition. A current photograph and brief bio will be displayed at each fair as the fair shares this special recognition for our women farmers. Each fair will determine how to additionally recognize their choice during the fair. Following the close of our fair season in October,the photographs and information from all 25 women will be gathered together and a large informational banner will be created. The intent is that this banner will be displayed at the 2027 Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs conference in Bangor at the Cross Center at the end of January. There will be additional opportunities to display this banner at agriculture related events throughout the coming year.
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THE RICHARD CAVERLY
MEMORIAL DAIRY FUND
2026 NOMINATION FORM
The Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Fund (RCMDF) was created by friends and associates of Richard Caverly for the purpose of sponsoring an award in his honor. The award will be presented to an individual, age 18-30 ( on Jan. 1st of the award year), who exemplifies the qualities Richard was known for -great cow sense, a deep love of dairy cattle breeding and husbandry, and a strong belief in the importance of training and guiding dairy youth, as they are the future of our industry. RCMDF may also support youth clinics to continue Richard's legacy of helping dairy youth, if funds allow. Deadline for receipt of nominations: July I, 2026
Award presentation: National fall show in recipient's region.
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MAAF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
Representing their respective fairs, Ashley LaDuke (Springfield Fair), Mickenzee Prentiss (Skowhegan Fair), and Liza Graustein (Fryeburg Fair) attended the 2026 IAFE Young Professionals Zone 1 Meeting, where they proudly represented Maine’s agricultural fairs. Connecting with peers from New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Brunswick, and other regions, they were able to exchange ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen the network of young professionals dedicated to the success and growth of agricultural fairs. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Allentown Fairgrounds, where they participated in a special “Taste of Allentown Farmers Market,” sampling a wide variety of delicious offerings from local vendors. Their itinerary also included a visit to the Olley Valley Fairgrounds, where they were treated to a memorable Pennsylvania Dutch dinner, participated in an exciting auction, and joined in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Their efforts and enthusiasm paid off as they earned first place for the most colorful and decked out. On behalf of the MAAF Young Professionals Group, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and hosts for their kindness, hospitality, and for creating such a meaningful and unforgettable experience.
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AS SEEN ON FACEBOOK
By Leanne Stapleton News:
"Spent the morning in Monmouth with these girls who run the Pink Poultry Club farm stand!
I found them using farmstandsguide.com, a free website created by Brunswick resident Michael Connery. There are over 150 farm stands listed so far in Maine and beyond!"
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GOALS GRANT APPLICATION FORM
IAFE LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Application form for the $500 goals grant to apply for funds to attend IAFE Louisville at the end of November.
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MAAF FOUNDATION NEWS
Important Reminder! MAAF Foundation scholarships are still available, but time is running out! Deadline is July 15th and there are 8 $2,500 scholarships available to attend the 2026 IAFE Convention held 11/29-12/3 in Louisville, Kentucky. These grants are to help reduce the costs of registration, airfare and accommodations. Remember: Preference is given to first time attendees BUT all are welcome to apply.
GOALS scholarships are also available. There are 2 $500 GOALS grants. Deadline is August 1st, FMI: Andrew Jura. Union Fair.
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INFO FOR YOU
IAFE CONTEST DIVISION CHANGES
Read full article here.
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2026 MAAF AGRICULTURAL AWARD CONTEST
"CREATING AN EXPERIENCE:
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF POULTRY
Category 1 - Agricultural Experiences designed for children and by children. These experiences will include information, demonstrations and appropriate hands on activities which introduce children to and educate them to the world of POULTRY. Domesticated birds raised for their meat, eggs or feathers - which includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, pigeons, ostriches and pheasants. *Please indicate if your fair has a pre-existing hands-on ag education program designed for children.
Category 2 - Agricultural experiences for ALL fairgoers that educate fairgoers about poultry - identify them, how to raise them, creative recipes using poultry/eggs and many other activities. This can be a one day program or ongoing throughout your fair.
Division 1: Fairs operating for four concurrent days or less
Division 2: Fairs operating for five concurrent days or more
MAAF AWARD Application:
A brief description of your events(s) and the connection to Maine agriculture. Specifically, the World of Poultry.
Who was involved in the planning/funding process? - i,e,individuals, community organizations, agencies, businesses, educators, youth, sponsors,etc - and the roles they played.
What challenges did you face and how did you address them?
How did the public react to you event? - personal feedback, hits on your website, survey money results, photos of interactions during your event?
How was your event promoted ? - print and social media, posters, school, local radio and promotional programs prior and during the event
REMEMBER - YOUR GOAL IS TO HELP FAIRGOERS IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHICKEN AND A DUCK!!
Judging
*Each element will be evaluated on a scale of 1-5
1 = no evidence presented
2 = Minimal evidence of involvement presented
3 = Evidence of involvement presented
4 = Evidence of involvement is thorough and comprehensive
5 = Evidence of in-person community involvement during the fair dates - demonstrations, discussions/interviews, hands-on food preparation, availability of farmers/growers etc.
Applications may be submitted in digital form as well as traditional pen and paper.
Mail applications to: MAAF P.O. Box 3 Union, Maine 04862, 207-462-0856
Applications must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2026
FMI: Junia Norris
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IAFE CONVENTION 2026
November 29 to December 3
Kentucky International Convention Center
Louisville, Kentucky
FMI - CLICK HERE
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