Maine Farmland Trust to host “MaineFare” Celebration in Belfast

By Maine Farmland Trust, Maine Farmland Trust

Posted Aug. 22, 2012, at 2:27 p.m.

BELFAST. Maine Farmland Trust will host an event celebrating Maine’s local food traditions, farms, farmers, restaurants, chefs, and happy eaters in downtown Belfast on Friday, September 7th from 9AM to 9PM. “MaineFare” will showcase the work of Maine’s best food producers artisan processors. This event will also engage participants in educational discussions about local food and farming. All members of the public are encouraged to attend.

“MaineFare 2012″ is the revival of an event that was held several years in the Camden area. This will be the first “MaineFare” celebration since 2009. Maine Farmland Trust seeks to revive the event and re-cast the celebration to focus more on farm-to-table activities and Maine farming, in addition to local food and dining.

Maine Farmland Trust is a statewide non-profit organization working to keep farming in Maine vital through a wide variety of programs. Since its founding in 1999, the Trust has helped protect over 33,000 acres of farmland and provided services to over 375 farm families.

“MaineFare is a great fit for Maine Farmland Trust, because it’s a powerful way to raise awareness about what’s happening on Maine’s farms and that can only help Maine’s farmers,” said John Piotti, the Trust’s executive director.

“MaineFare” will include an expanded farmer’s market and midway that will include over fifty local vendors from 9AM to 3PM. At Noon, a four-course lunch featuring fresh produce and Maine lobster will be served under a tent on High Street.

The afternoon program will focus on how Maine can feed itself, nutritiously, deliciously, and sustainably. Fresh MOO milk and cookies will be served during a film screening of the film “Truck Farm”. “MaineFare 2012″ will wrap up with “Local Plates”-the Trust’s name for an evening of good eating, where several downtown restaurants will offer farm-to-table fare.

Activities will occur on blocked off downtown streets and at the Colonial Theater. “MaineFare” will coincide with the Belfast Farmers Market that day and Belfast’s Friday Arts Walk that evening.

“MaineFare is a great way to visit Belfast, enjoy some fantastic food, and learn more about farming in Maine.” explained Piotti.

Tickets to MaineFare can be purchased at www.maine-fare.com or by calling the MFT office at (207)338-6575. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event, although hopeful attendees are discouraged from waiting, as there is limited space available for both the lunch and film screening. Tickets to the panel discussions and film are $15. If you also wish to attend lunch, the total price is $30.

For more information on MaineFare 2012 visit www.maine-fare.com or www.mainefarmlandtrust.org.