UNITY, Maine (AP) — Maine's annual celebration of organic farming and rural living will still take place this year, but it will be an online event.
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association said the Common Ground Country Fair is slated to take place online from Sept. 25 to 27. The event typically draws thousands of people to Unity.
The Common Ground fair usually involves events about everything from how to safely wield a scythe to how to raise your own sheep. MOFGA said Thursday this year's event will still be able to provide “three full days of content related to gardening, farming and sustainable living," despite its remote nature.
“While we can't gather together in person this year, many aspects of the Fair will be available online, including iconic and educational content that folks look forward to every year,” said April Boucher, MOFGA's fair director.
MOFGA said the event's popular sheep dog demonstrations will still take place every day.
In other news related to the pandemic in Maine:
NEW CASES
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus in the state increased by 15. The agency also reported an additional death.
The number of people who have tested positive in Maine stands at 4,632 while the number of COVID-19 patients who have died in Maine is 134, the Maine CDC reported.
The COVID-19 illness results in mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems.
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LABOR DAY
Public health authorities around the country are encouraging residents to exercise caution during the Labor Day weekend, which is typically a big weekend for recreation, cookouts and outdoor activities. One of those officials in Maine CDC director Nirav Shah.
Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities in terms of the spread of the virus, but it's still important to take precautions, Shah said. He added that many holiday activities have indoor and outdoor components.
“COVID-19 loves holidays,” he said.