Reid Lozefski gets an up close look at meat and dairy goats, during Open Farm Day at Arkeo Farm in Sidney last year. The boy, his sister Piper, 8, and parents Russ and Sara of Belgrade, Maine toured the farm. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel
Open Farm Day, scheduled for Sunday, July 23, is an event that invites everyone to embark on a mission of exploring the diverse agricultural landscape of Maine. This annual tradition, planned and presented by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, offers a unique opportunity to explore farms across the state and learn the rich heritage of Maine’s agricultural practices. Various activities and experiences allow ag explorers to customize their itineraries to create an unforgettable day.
To facilitate planning, RealMaine.com, Maine’s official agri-tourism resource, is packed with pre-made itineraries for Open Farm Day, complete with farm site addresses and maps of host farms. These itineraries are conveniently organized by county, covering all regions of Maine. Click on the county itinerary of interest and access a list of participating farms and an accompanying map. The itineraries can be saved, shared, adjusted, and printed, allowing everyone to tailor their trip according to their preferences, according to a news release from Jim Britt with the ag department.
Note that most Maine Open Farm Day farms are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when planning your visit, although there may be exceptions. It is advisable to double-check the schedule by referring to local listings such as the Real Maine Event calendar or the farms’ social media platforms. Additionally, contacting the farms is another reliable way to receive updates or possible changes. Open Farm Day welcomes visitors regardless of weather conditions.
Although Open Farm Day is an annual tradition, numerous ways exist to support and engage with Maine’s agriculture throughout the year. The ag department provides the following tips to continue your exploration of Maine’s agricultural offerings:
• Stay connected with Real Maine: Explore what’s in season and discover the diverse range of agricultural products available through Real Maine.
• Plan your trip with Real Maine’s itinerary creator: Find exciting things to do, including visiting farm stands and markets and tasting farm products and flavors. Customize your itinerary to suit your preferences and create a list of must-visit locations.
• Browse the list of Real Maine members: Utilize the comprehensive list of all Real Maine members to explore farms based on their products, buying options, locations, and more.
Open Farm Day celebrates Maine’s agricultural heritage, and everyone is invited to participate in this special event. Engage with local farmers, embrace the beauty of working landscapes, and discover the diverse flavors and products Maine’s farms offer. For more information and to start planning your Open Farm Day experience, visit realmaine.com.
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