31 August 2019

Union Fair, Maine


Everyone likes Maine blueberries.

On August 22, 2019, DH and I ate small blueberry pies - one each, we restrained ourselves- at the Union Fair, an annual event in a part of Maine known for wild blueberry barrens as well as cattle and sheep.  Here are some of the sites:

Quilts and needlework in the Crafts barn.

Raffle quilt.

Rug hooking is a venerable Maine tradition.

More rug-hooking - not in competition but a winner in my book.

An exquisite piece of cross-stitch from a design available on etsy.

Delightful winter-themed quilt.

Now, we expected delicious wild blueberry pie at this event, but did not expect to find "the area's best kept secret" - the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage, housed in one of the utility buildings on the fair grounds. This is an Aladdin's cave of antiques relating to daily life in Maine. No precious objets, just tools and equipment owned and used by Mainers in their everyday lives.
 

A frame for hooking rugs.

Old laundry tub, paddles and washboards.

Vintage needlework items - those steel knitting needles look lethal...

Good weather for spinning.

On the day we visited the fair, a group from the Midcoast spinners demonstrated their craft in Sherman Park.  It was surprisingly meditative just to watch them at work.  I noted that one of the spinners, Penelope Olson, had yarn exhibited in the Craft barn.


Prize-winning yarn by spinner Penelope Olson.

Speaking of wool, a sheep says "hello".

Young people waiting to show their sheep in the 4-H judging.

Belted Galloway cattle resting.

Tasty traditions.