FARMINGTON — The Maine Fiddlehead Festival held Saturday, April 29, was a fun event for family, friends and those interested in agriculture and local food production.
Getting there was a bit of a challenge for some as parking lots on the University of Maine Farmington campus quickly filled. Many groups were seen walking along Main or High streets as they made their way towards the Roberts Courtyard, amphitheater and High Street parking lot where the festival was happening.
Melissa Burnham and Jade Morse of Carthage were learning how to crack acorns. Burnham said she has been attending the festival since its beginning.
“I know everybody here,” Burnham stated. “I helped set up a lot of the easy-up tents. Jade got a copy of a foraging book, we foraged all day yesterday. Earlier she got to try acorn patties. It’s a very good all around sort of thing for her.”
Samuel Hanson of Belgrade also tried his hand at cracking acorns.
Joni James, Western Maine Play Museum executive director is seen Saturday, April 29, as she paints the face of Malcolm Austin of Farmington during Maine Fiddlehead Festival at University of Maine Farmington. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Malcolm Austin of Farmington was pleased after having his face painted by Joni James, Western Maine Play Museum executive director.
Neveah Carver of Farmington used spray paint and recycled lids to create a picture to take home. “The 4-H lady [Kristen Grondin] is amazing,” her friend said. “It’s a fun thing for the kids to do.”
Chandler Clark of New Sharon took time to pat Normandy, a Hereford calf. Normandy and a Haflinger pony were in the same pen, two of several farm animals brought by Martin Martin Woods Farm in Starks for festival goers to get close to.
Clark was part of three generations enjoying the festival together. His family was accompanied by grandfather Gary Hedstrom of Farmington.
Paityn Hinkley of Wilton used markers and a paper plate to create a hat for herself. She had to hold it on her head because the wind kept trying to blow it off.
Mark Prentiss and Kim Roberts, owners of True Mountain Maple in Industry were kept busy providing samples of their maple syrup and making sales. “It was a good year this year,” Prentiss said. “We made lots of light syrup.”
At the Maine Fiddlehead Festival held Saturday, April 29, at the University of Maine Farmington Caitlin Carson-Gabriel of Farmington looks over a rack of pressed flower note cards. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Caitlyn Carson-Gabriel of Farmington had a hard time deciding which pressed flower note card to buy. Several designs featured ladies made from pieces of dried flowers. “I just love these cards,” she enthused before making her choice.
Diane Bolduc of Farmington spun yarn on her spinning wheel. Jane Woodman and Sally Speich, both of Farmington, provided information about the town’s conservation commission.
Youth play Saturday, April 29, on the wooded bank near the High Street parking lot during the Maine Fiddlehead Festival held at University of Maine Farmington. Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser
Some youth were seen climbing the wooded bank near the High Street lot. Many people sat to listen to the musicians performing while enjoying their lunch.
Even the dogs had a good time, with two sniffing each other and making friends while their owners chatted. Another was seen rolling on the grass as it played with a toy.
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