AgriCulture latest Skowhegan event aimed at boosting business, drawing visitors
Photo / Jonathan Wheaton
Skowhegan's annual brewfest in 2018 drew 1,200 visitors to the town.
Skowhegan, home of one of the state's largest craft brewfests and other recent innovative events to draw visitors, is hosting a food-producing tour and festival Saturday that focuses on Skowhegan as a food and agriculture hub.
AgriCulture, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, grew out of another event that was put on by the Wesserunsett Arts Council, Cheese, Brews, and Bread.
"We collaborate with WesArts often, and we both saw the potential to expand that event by working together and also bringing in the Maine Grain Alliance," Maria Landry, associate director of Main Street Skowhegan told Mainebiz. "The idea was to celebrate and generate awareness of the bounty of local foods in Somerset County."
The festival is part of a bigger effort by Main Street Skowhegan, the town and businesses to boost the local economy.
“People are really starting to take notice that Skowhegan has a lot going for it — and a lot of things are in the works for putting Skowhegan on the map," said Kristina Cannon, executive director of Main Street Skowhegan. "Our local food economy is something that so many people are proud of, and several of our revitalization strategies are focused on showcasing the region as an agricultural hub. Local food and recreation — things that are directly connected to our natural assets — are two major reasons to visit Skowhegan and will make our town a destination in the years to come.”
The event will host food tours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that include the Somerset Grist Mill, making pasta with the Maine Meal, pairing hand-crafted cheese at Crooked Face Creamery, grinding heritage corn with the Maine Grain Alliance, making butter at Tessiers Farm and sampling craft beer at Oak Pond Brewery.
There will also be a food festival downtown from noon to 4 p.m. featuring cheese and wine/beer pairings, live music, demos and local food and artisan vendors.
More than two dozen vendors signed up for the festival, offering everything from cheese, bread, honey, spices, popsicles, and pasta to flowers, wooden bowls and spoons, fiber art and more, according to Main Street Skowhegan. Those attending may buy tickets for both events in advance, and those to just the food festival will be sold at the gate.
Skowhegan has hosted a number of events in the past three years to boost local businesses and draw visitors to the town in southern Somerset County, including the Skowhegan Craft Brew Fest, which has grown every year since its first year in 2016. Cannon said it featured 20 brewers and about 800 attendees that year, and last year had 30 brewers and 1,200 attendees.
"This year we anticipate 34 brewers," Landry said. "We've sold out of VIP [tickets] every year, and this year we're capping general admission as well to ensure the brew fest retains the small-town vibe attendees love. "
She said organizers were "humbled" by the success of the Skowhegan Moose Festival last year, which drew approximately 6,000 people from all over the Northeast to the town of 8,200 and broke attendance records for Maine moose lottery drawing events.
"And of course, we also set the Guinness World Record for Most People Moose Calling Simultaneously," Landry said. "We're thrilled we were able to draw so many people and so much interest and really showcase what Skowhegan has to offer."
The Skowhegan Home Show, hosted by Main Street Skowhegan last month, drew 24 vendors. It was a reworked version of a previous event, and Cannon said this year's version was a success.
Landry said all of the events have gotten growing attention from businesses.
"We've definitely had new businesses and organizations reach out to express interest in getting involved," she said. "I believe there is growing awareness and enthusiasm for all the potential in Skowhegan and the region."
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments