The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) unveiled its 50th annual Common Ground Country Fair design at the Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta on Jan. 13. The fair designs are intended to represent the values of the largest organic fair in the country, and are beloved by fairgoers from around the world. 

"I studied the previous posters for the fair and enjoyed the array of plants and animals selected to represent it each year,” says Brenda McGuinness, artist of the 2026 design. “I noticed that while a wide variety of farm animals had been featured over the years, there hadn't yet been a poster that focused primarily on a dog." 

As an avid spectator at sheepdog trials in both Ireland and Maine, McGuinness  has long been fascinated by the quiet bond between dog and handler. Witnessing how they understand the task and each other is, she says, something truly special and deserving of celebration. 

"This was my third year entering the poster contest," McGuinness adds. "And I thought how incredible it would be if the poster for the 50th anniversary of the fair featured a sheepdog. I was understandably elated when this dream became a reality!"

The 50th annual fair will be held Sept. 25 - 27 in Unity, Maine. With five decades of sharing MOFGA’s commitment to organic farming and gardening, the fair aims to inspire the wider community to continue to build common ground.

“The fair is a testament to the strength of MOFGA’s community — the volunteers, vendors, and fairgoers who make the event possible,” says April Boucher, fair director. “It is also a reminder of the continued need for a deepened connection around land stewardship and sustainable living.”

MOFGA is celebrating the 50th annual fair year-round with a variety of events. Asilent auction will be held Feb. 13 - 23 featuring one-of-a-kind memorabilia, unique experiences, and community storytelling. The auction will raise funds to support MOFGA’s mission of supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. 

“The 50th fair isn’t just a weekend celebration, it’s a yearlong opportunity to honor the community that built it,” says Mary Weitzman, membership and development director. “Throughout 2026, we’ll be celebrating the people, creativity, and shared values that have made the fair such a powerful gathering place for 50 years, and looking ahead to how we’ll nurture that spirit for the next 50.”

More information can be found at mofga.org/the-fair.