Volunteer

2025 Common Ground Country Fair

The Common Ground Country Fair, MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living, is made possible each year by generous volunteers who donate thousands of hours of their labor. But it’s not just a donation; it’s a lot of fun too. Folks often say that volunteering is the best way to experience the Fair. Volunteer your time, and join the folks who know best!

2025 Fair Shifts Will Open in June

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and made the 2024 Fair possible! Please join in the fun again on September 19, 20, and 21, 2025, in Unity, Maine!  Volunteer shifts will be announced in June, 2025.

Interested in volunteering with MOFGA year-round? Check out our current volunteer opportunities or read about becoming a Fair Area coordinator!

Three smiling volunteers pose in front of a bean pot at the Common Ground Country Fair.

Information for Fair Volunteers

A Fair volunteer shows off their volunteer T-shirt.

Fair Volunteer Benefits

For each four-hour shift at the Fair, volunteers receive:

  • One Fair volunteer T-shirt.
  • Fair admission for the day they work.
  • One meal at the Common Kitchen.
  • Camping privileges — tent site (one night per shift, either the night before or the night after the shift). Registration required.

For any additional four-hour shift, volunteers receive:

  • One Fair admission for each shift (three days admission maximum).
  • One meal at the Common Kitchen for each shift they work.
  • One extra night of camping per shift. Registration required.

Fair Eligibility

  • Volunteers under the age of 18 must have signed consent of a parent or guardian. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old to volunteer without an accompanying guardian. Children between the ages of 10 to 12 may volunteer if accompanied by a guardian 21 years of age or older; at least one adult must be present for every two children. 
  • For families who want to volunteer with children 10 to 12 years old, we encourage you to volunteer for set-up or clean-up. There are also limited opportunities in the Compost & Recycling area during the Fair. 
  • Special cases:
    • Children’s Area: Minimum age 13 years old.
    • Auto Gates, Common Kitchen, Country Store, Entertainment, Low-Impact Forestry, Parking, Fair Gates: Minimum age 16 years old.
    • Safety: Minimum age 16 years old for daytime shifts and 18 years old for nighttime shifts.
Two volunteers cutting strawberries in the Common Kitchen.

Read Our Full Volunteer Info Packet

Still have questions about volunteering at the Fair? Read our full volunteer info packet for expanded information on benefits (including camping and meals), arriving and checking in at the Fair, and our full volunteer guidelines.

volunteers parking safety

Volunteer as an Area Coordinator

The Fair runs on volunteer labor, and volunteers run on Area Coordinators. Folks who step up as Area Coordinators work to manage every aspect of the Fair – from organizing speakers to laying out parking lots to checking tickets at the gates. Volunteering as an Area Coordinator is a unique way to make a big contribution. There are various opportunities before, during and after the Fair. Check out the list and apply here.

Would you like to join the Fair Planning Team? Email [email protected]!

Carpool to the Fair

Interested in carpooling before or after the Fair? Use our volunteer carpool option! If you are looking for rides to the Fair September 22-24, click here

Watch our Volunteer Sign-up Tutorial Here:

Watch our Volunteer Camping Webinar Here:

Volunteer Opportunities

MOFGA was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers, and the organization continues to rely on the support of more than 2,000 volunteers each year. The collective impact of our volunteer community is awe-inspiring.

There are many opportunities to get involved, and all forms of volunteer support are greatly appreciated. Without the dedication and expertise of volunteers, MOFGA wouldn’t be able to realize our mission.

Volunteer opportunities happen throughout the year. Projects span a wide range, from grounds work to orchard maintenance to office work and beyond. We welcome all and acknowledge the vital role that volunteers play in our organization. Thank you!

two volunteers in aprons chop garlic

Volunteer with MOFGA!

Visit our volunteer site for more information and to view available volunteer opportunities.

Questions?

Email [email protected] or call 207-568-6014 with questions.
Three MOFGA volunteers wood work outside.

Upcoming Volunteer Events

Volunteer at the Common Ground Country Fair!

The Common Ground Country Fair is MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living featuring 1000-plus exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizing vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. This event wouldn’t be possible without the amazing community of volunteers who donate thousands of volunteer hours.

The Fair offers many unique volunteer options, including year-round opportunities as a planning team member. Volunteer shifts at the Fair are posted online in June. 

Three smiling volunteers pose in front of a bean pot at the Common Ground Country Fair.
New Spoke Climate Event

MOFGA Ambassador Program

The MOFGA Ambassador Program is a new opportunity for individuals to develop deeper community connections and gain leadership skills. The purpose of the program is to empower MOFGA volunteers around the state to effect positive change in the communities where they live and work.  MOFGA ambassadors will serve as part of a cohort, and ambassador terms will be one year in length. They will be supported by MOFGA staff and offered leadership training to help them achieve personal and professional goals. Learn more about the program and how to apply below. 

Volunteer Committees and Chapters

Since its inception volunteers have played a vital role in the spirit and success of MOFGA. As the organization has grown over its first 50 years, the types of roles that volunteers play has shifted as the staff, and organization, have grown. There are many ways to interact and meaningfully contribute to various programs year round. One way to participate is by serving on a committee. MOFGA invites volunteers of diverse backgrounds and views to join our committees and offer valuable perspective to our staff as we work toward our strategic impact goals.

people walking through flower crop rows
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