The Maine Fiddlehead Festival is a joyous celebration that brings together the community to revel in the sights, sounds, and flavors of spring. For 12 years, the festival has taken place at the University of Maine at Farmington, offering a unique blend of music, food, and fun that is not to be missed. Free and open to the public, the festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Maine wilderness, learn about sustainable living, and indulge in the region’s renowned cuisine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held in various locations on campus, including the High Street parking lot, the UMF amphitheater, and the courtyard between the Olsen Student Center and Roberts Learning Center.
The Festival Highlights
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- Local Food and Drink: Over 65 local vendors will be on hand to showcase their products, including artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and fresh produce.
- Music and Dance: The festival will feature live music and dance performances by local artists, including the Franklin County Fiddlers and Neveah Dance Circus.
- Fiddlehead Festival Activities: The UMF Community Garden will participate in the festival for the first time, with scheduled activities including onion planting, greenhouse tours, and a “seed in a cup” tomato planting activity.
- Foraging and Harvesting: Local foraging expert Dave Fuller will share insights on safe and sustainable fiddlehead harvesting, while Chef Ashley Montgomery will lead a cooking demonstration on creative uses of fiddleheads.
- Community Engagement: The festival will include a kid’s zone with hands-on activities and farm animals, as well as a “seed in a cup” tomato planting activity.
Featured Presentations
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- Abigail Perry: “The Art of Food Preservation” – Learn about the art of preserving food using traditional methods.
- Kate Garland: “Growing Great Backyard Tomatoes” – Discover the secrets of growing delicious tomatoes in your own backyard.
- Isabelle Rogers: “Local Food Matters” – A short film highlighting the importance of local food systems.
The Benefits of the Fiddlehead Festival
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The festival highlights the arrival of spring and the seasonal tradition of foraging fiddleheads. It is also a celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage and sets the stage for the active summer growing and farmers market seasons.
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The festival provides an opportunity to learn about sustainable living, including topics such as local land stewardship, community health, and education.
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The festival is a great way to connect with your community and enjoy the talents of local musicians.
Getting Involved
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Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for local pantries. These donations will be distributed to area food pantries after the festival.
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Food trucks such as The Ugly Dumpling and Fresh Eatz will offer meals on-site, while Chef Ashley Montgomery will lead a cooking demonstration on creative uses of fiddleheads.
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The festival organizers are planning a kid’s zone with hands-on activities and farm animals.
Find Out More
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More information and a full schedule of events can be found at www.umf.maine.edu/sustainability/maine-fiddlehead-festival or on the Maine Fiddlehead Festival Facebook page.
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For questions, contact Mark Pires at edward.pires@maine.edu or 207-778-7015.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Onion Planting | 10:00 a.m. |
| Greenhouse and Pollinator Bed Tours | 12:00 p.m. |
| Seed in a Cup Tomato Planting Activity | 2:00 p.m. |
“We hope for a great turnout and pray for good weather, this year. The event will go on rain or shine,” said Mark Pires.
Mark Pires, UMF Sustainability Coordinator
- May 3, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- High Street parking lot, UMF amphitheater, and courtyard.
**Special Highlights**
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Live music and dance performances by local artists.
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Creative uses of fiddleheads in cooking demonstrations.
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Hands-on activities and farm animals in the kid’s zone.
The Maine Fiddlehead Festival is a unique celebration that offers something for everyone.