OPEN SPACE is a precious gift that we have only as long as we protect it. We may never see all the inhabitants of wild or domestic lands around us, nevertheless they contribute to our well being and the delicate balance of nature.
ONE FACTOR OFTEN IGNORED in maintaining wilderness and fields is our inclination to shop locally. Maintaining, restoring small towns and villages and purchasing from local businesses keeps commercial growth at bay, eliminating the need for more strip malls and shopping centers. Urban sprawl destroys much virgin habitat and has diminished many species of native plants and animals.
SHOPPING LOCALLY has many benefits, but open space is one that is often forgotten. During the festival we invite local producers and vendors to show up in this non-commercial atmosphere, introduce yourselves, remind us that you need our support to thrive. Getting to know your shopkeeper is as important as getting to know your farmer. When they thrive, we have no need to shop at the mall or on-line marketplace. Villages and small towns are part of what make Maine vibrant and inviting. No one needs to come to Maine to go to the mall; the rest of the country has plenty of those!
THE THREE DAY WEEKEND features a Farm Supper on Friday, June 16th, in the Lumber Shed at the old Farwell’s Mill in Thorndike Village. Chef Frank Giglio serves up a memorable meal of local organic food in Italian style with a wild touch. World-class jazzy-reggae-salsa music will be provided by Jessica Small and Ezra Rugg, and menu will be announced here as it unfolds. Reservations recommended for this usually sold-out event; reservations at http://www.thorndikemill.org/waldo-open-space/, or email thorndikemillmaine@gmail.com with questions. Suggested donation for the supper is $60 per person but we welcome all donations to our huge project. More details on the project at thorndikemill.org.
Saturday June 17th is Farm & Homestead Day at MOFGA in Unity, just down the road a mile from Thorndike Village. This event is FREE and open to all, a splendid pot-luck lunch is served, and everyone goes home with skills they didn’t know they had.
The evening of June 17th will feature music in the old railroad yard beside the tracks in Thorndike Village. An old boxcar is being repurposed as a stage; solid dancing music will begin at 6pm from The Rugged and The Cups. $8/per person, $15/couple in advance, $10 at the door. Reservations at http://www.thorndikemill.org/waldo-open-space/. Bring a lawn chair or just dance. Food available for sale. Email thorndikemillmaine@gmail.com with questions.
Sunday June 18th Festival: We block off State Road 139 for a morning flea market that attracts pack rats as well as minimalists. Flea activity begins at 9am, music, food, stories and presentations go from noon until dark. This year we welcome Penobscot grandmother Carol Dana with her stories and poems; local youngers will relate Swampy Cree stories; music from Sugarbush, Thorn & Shout, The Acetones, #453, Abba Rabba Shabba and Can. Games and activities for kids from noon til 5pm. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, picnic, or enjoy fresh grilled organic chicken sausages and condiments alongside an extensive salad bar to please all palates. John’s ice cream will be served up until we run out.