Agri-Business Trade Show this weekend

By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
    FORT FAIRFIELD – This year’s Agri-Business Trade Show, scheduled for March 27-29 at The Forum in Presque Isle, will have a renewed focus on local agriculture.
    “We’re strongly focusing on agriculture this year,” said Janet Kelle, executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the annual event. “We have a lot of new booths and new vendors, and have really put the emphasis on all types of agriculture.”
    Last year, in an attempt to generate more interest in the show, organizers offered exhibits that focused on things other than just agriculture.
    “Over the course of several years, the show has gotten away from agriculture,” Kelle said. “Some of the long-time vendors weren’t interested in participating, which caused us to seek out other vendors for the show. By doing so, we ventured away from agriculture a bit, but we had an overwhelming response last year that people wanted the focus brought back to agriculture.
    “This year, we’ve worked really hard to reconnect with the vendors and find new agricultural vendors to support the show and to promote agriculture in Aroostook County,” she said.
    The Agri-Business Trade Show received a “big boost” recently when Spudnik Equipment Co. LLC agreed to participate.
    “Spudnik will have a large presence at this year’s show,” said Kelle, noting that Jordan Equipment Co. of Hermon has also signed on. “We’ve gained support from area agricultural-based businesses, plus we’ve also got some organic farmers coming, members of the Fort Fairfield Community Market, Organic Sam’s, people from the Amish community, as well as representation from local 4-Hs, the Department of Agriculture, Maine Farm Bureau, USDA Conservation, Feed Depot, Farm Service, and the Women’s Agricultural Network.
    “We’ve really got a lot of good agricultural booths coming,” she said, “and we’ll also be having some great giveaways.”
    In addition, the Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club will be showcasing equipment, doing some demonstrations and holding a Farmer’s Olympics, as well.
    “We are excited to be adding demonstrations and presentations to this year’s show. For example, Gary Kaszas from Organic Sam’s will be giving a demonstration on how to graph apple trees and Wade Leavitt from Off the Grid will be giving a presentation on residential wind power,” said Kelle. “These demonstrations/presentations are timely and interesting to a wide variety of Aroostook County residents. Once I have a confirmed list of times and topics, they will be posted on the Fort Fairfield Chamber’s Web site.
    “The focus truly is going to be on agriculture … past, present and future … and what it means to Aroostook County,” she said. “It’s still a vital part of our economy and part of our heritage and we want to showcase that.”
    Sponsors for next month’s show include the Maine Potato Board, Horizon Wind Energy, Husson University, Employee Benefit Design and McCain Foods, whose French fries will be for sale during the three-day show.
    Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item for the Friends Helping Friends food pantry will receive a $1 off their admission.
    Kelle said booth spaces are filling up fast. Anyone wishing to exhibit is asked to contact Kelle at 472-3802. For more information, log onto www.fortcc.org.