Farmington, Maine is gearing up for a fun-filled day of local food, entertainment, and community spirit as the 12th annual Maine Fiddlehead Festival approaches. This year’s event promises to be one of the most enjoyable, with a diverse range of activities, delicious food options, and engaging workshops to cater to all ages. **Festival Highlights:**
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- A free and open-to-the-public event taking place on the University of Maine at Farmington campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
- Organized cooperatively by UMF faculty, students, staff, and local community members, with the support of local area businesses.
- A unique opportunity to connect with local farmers, artisan food producers, and community groups.
- A donation table, where attendees can drop off non-perishable, shelf-stable food items to support local area food pantries.
The festival will feature an impressive array of food producers, offering a wide variety of edible delights, including spring greens, fresh dug parsnips, seedlings, overwintered root crops, farm-raised herbs and teas, and specialty food products. Visitors can also sample fiddleheads in creative dishes at the cooking demonstration led by local chef Ashley Montgomery. Food trucks will be on site, including The Ugly Dumpling and Fresh Eatz. Festival attendees are encouraged to come hungry and be prepared to discover new flavors and products. With over 65 vendors representing farmers, artisan food producers, crafters, area nonprofits, and more, there will be plenty to see, do, and enjoy. **Kid’s Zone and Community Activities**
The festival will also feature a kid’s zone, complete with hands-on activities, farm animals, and exhibits. This year, the UMF Community Garden, run by Professor Gretchen Legler and her team of student assistants, will host several events, including onion planting, tours of the greenhouse and pollinator bed, and a “seed in a cup– plant your own tomato to take home” activity. Additional highlights of the festival include a lineup of Tent Talks throughout the day, covering topics such as sustainable fiddlehead harvesting, growing great tomatoes for home gardeners, the art of food preservation, and the screening with discussion of the short film “Local Food Matters!” by area filmmaker Isabelle Rogers. **Musical Performances and Entertainment**
The outside amphitheater on campus will once again host a great lineup of musicians, including a performance by the Franklin County Fiddlers and the return of Neveah Dance Circus. This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, with something for everyone. **Important Details**
The festival will take place in the High Street parking lot, the courtyard between the UMF Olsen Student Center and Roberts Learning Center buildings at the southern end of the UMF campus, and in the UMF amphitheater. If inclement weather occurs, the festival will move inside to the Student Center. Parking will be available in nearby university lots located on High Street and on lower Main Street near Abbott Park. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the Maine Fiddlehead Festival page on Facebook or the University of Maine at Farmington website.
Supporting Local Food Pantries
In the spirit of the festival and to support local area food pantries, festival attendees are invited to drop off donations of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items at the Sustainable Campus Coalition table throughout the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and help support those in need.
A Delicious Lineup of Food Trucks
Food trucks will be on site, offering a variety of delicious food options. This year’s lineup includes The Ugly Dumpling and Fresh Eatz. Visitors can enjoy a range of flavors and cuisine, from classic festival fare to gourmet options.
A Kid’s Zone with Hands-On Activities
The festival will feature a kid’s zone, complete with hands-on activities, farm animals, and exhibits. Kids will have a blast learning about farming and food production in a fun and interactive way.
Tent Talks and Workshops
The festival will feature a lineup of Tent Talks throughout the day, covering topics such as sustainable fiddlehead harvesting, growing great tomatoes for home gardeners, the art of food preservation, and the screening with discussion of the short film “Local Food Matters!” by area filmmaker Isabelle Rogers. Visitors can learn new skills and gain valuable insights into the world of local food and sustainability.
Musical Performances and Entertainment
The outside amphitheater on campus will once again host a great lineup of musicians, including a performance by the Franklin County Fiddlers and the return of Neveah Dance Circus. Visitors can enjoy live music, dancing, and other entertainment options, making the festival a truly special event.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking will be available in nearby university lots located on High Street and on lower Main Street near Abbott Park. The festival is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone.
Getting Involved
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the Maine Fiddlehead Festival page on Facebook or the University of Maine at Farmington website. Visitors can also get involved by volunteering, donating food items, or participating in other activities and events.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the Maine Fiddlehead Festival organizers at [mainefiddleheadfestival@umf.maine.edu](mailto:mainefiddleheadfestival@umf.maine.edu) or visit the festival’s website at
Conclusion
The Maine Fiddlehead Festival is a unique and exciting event that celebrates local food and community spirit. With a diverse range of activities, delicious food options, and engaging workshops, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars for the 12th annual Maine Fiddlehead Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and get ready to experience the best of Farmington’s vibrant community.