This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) Common Ground Country Fair. A September staple for Mainers, the Common Ground Fair, held in Unity, Maine, celebrates organic living, farming, and growing. Unlike traditional county fairs, the Common Ground Fair features mostly vegan and vegetarian food, and workshops on gardening and farming in place of carnival rides.

In its 50 years, the Fair has received national attention. Wendell Berry, the internationally acclaimed poet who passed away in August, was the keynote speaker in 1978. The 1987 poster was designed by the artist Dahlov Ipcar. Every year, 50-60,000 people visit Unity for the Fair, drawing comparisons to Woodstock (especially during rainy years).

ReVision Energy’s roots in the Fair go way back – beyond record-keeping, in fact. This year MOFGA presented us with a certificate that recognizes our 20+ years as a Common Ground Fair participant; the + is because it’s been at least 20. We have installed over 100 kilowatts of solar for MOFGA, spanning 5 buildings and finishing, in 2017, with enough solar power to offset 100% of their electric needs. With our founding branch two towns over in Montville, our employee-owners have been involved with the Fair for many of its 50 years.

Love at Common Ground

Jen and Hans Albee have a particularly special relationship with the Fair. Hans, one of our Senior Engineers, joined ReVision in 2007, and Jen, our Billing Supervisor, joined in 2009. Jen calls Common Ground a “family reunion” because they see so many people they know there. They got engaged at the Fair in 2006 and now live in Brooks, only ten miles from the Fair. They volunteer most years (you might have seen Hans this year as a judge for the Best in Show food contest).

“I grew up going to the Common Ground Country Fair when it was in Windsor (that dates me!) and it was always an event to look forward to. One of my earliest dates with Hans was at the fair in 2005 – I always associate the smell of Sweet Annie with the early days of our relationship. We love telling people that we love the fair so much we actually got engaged there.”

“It’s always been a place where I reconnect with friends and acquaintances from all stages of my life,” Hans agrees. “I love the serendipitous nature of these meetings. Nothing is planned, just a familiar face and an enthusiastic greeting, followed by a few words on what we’ve been up to before we’re each swept back into the crowds.”

“The fair is special because it reflects MOFGA’s commitment to their mission and values and reminds folks of all ages of the joys of rural living, care for each other and the planet, and supporting local artisans and growers.”

A Full-Team Effort

Another ReVision employee-owner, Director of Marketing Caitlin Brooke, has also been part of the Fair for a long time, and now loves representing ReVision at our booth in the Energy section.

“I’ve been involved in the Common Ground Fair since it was at the Windsor Fairground. For years, my cousin and I helped my uncle sell his hand carved woodenware. Being at the Fair with ReVision is the event I look forward to most each year. I get to talk with all the Solar Champions about their favorite parts of the fair, learn about some new vendors and treats to try, and hang around with my co-owners. My face hurts at the end of the day from smiling (and talking) so much!” 

ReVision employee-owners take turns staffing the booth over the three-day Fair weekend. It’s an important time to connect with our Solar Champions as well as meet new people who are interested in renewable energy technologies.