City: Coastal Maine, ME

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (207) 287-3491

Description: One of the consequences of all the growth, change, and development Maine has seen since the 1970s is the loss of a lot of family farms. This loss of farms is sad not only for the families involved but for communities, too, which lose good neighbors, access to fresh produce, and open space. The state of Maine has recognized this problem and begun to take steps to help the farms that are left, launching several agricultural campaigns. One of these is Open Farm Day, the last Sunday in July, when agrarian operations all across the state welcome the public in for tours, wagon rides, animal petting, berry picking, and walks around farm meadows. You can see how dairy cows are milked, tickle little lambies, learn about beekeeping, and get your picture taken with a llama. There’s usually the opportunity to buy produce and crafts and sample fresh foods. You might not want to leave.