[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAINE ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL FAIRS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the Maine 
Association of Agricultural Fairs and to congratulate this venerable 
organization on 100 years of championing the agricultural fair industry 
and the agricultural community of Maine.
  As the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs celebrates its 
centennial anniversary, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the remarkable progress and strides made by this historic 
organization in this century and the last. Founded in 1912, the 
Association served as a vital catalyst in uniting the agricultural 
fairs across Maine and promoting a shared spirit of fellowship and 
cooperation.
  What was once a welcomed vehicle for local farmers to exchange and 
showcase their cattle and goods has over many decades evolved into 26 
officially licensed agricultural fairs. During Maine's fair season, 
which starts in July and ends in early October, families can look 
forward to any number of events that have achieved iconic status, 
including harness racing, educational museums, the world's largest 
steer and oxen show, as well as a world-class Woodsmen's Day 
competition--all of which speak to Maine's legendary work ethic and 
can-do spirit.
  Every one of Maine's storied agricultural fairs has its own persona, 
tradition, and imprint on the landscape of our State and the unerring 
character of our people. In fact, just last year I had the privilege of 
attending two agricultural fairs--the Skowhegan Fair which began in 
1818 and, according to the Association, lays claim to being the oldest 
continuous-running fair in the United States, and the Fryeburg Fair 
which is considered Maine's largest agricultural fair, attracting more 
than 300,000 people annually.
  In this second decade of the 21st century, the integral role that the 
Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs and that agriculture itself 
continue to play in the lives of Mainers could not be more paramount or 
indispensable. As many of my colleagues in the Senate can attest, and 
as thousands of Mainers undeniably understand firsthand, the 
agricultural industry is one of the bedrock foundations of our State 
and Nation--central both to consumption and commerce.
  In fact, it was the Father of our country, President George 
Washington, also an avid agriculturist, who considered the improvement 
of agriculture as one of the greatest pursuits ``in which more real and 
important services can be rendered to any country.'' I could not agree 
more!!
  What was true at the founding of our great Nation remains ever-true 
today because of the example set by all in my State who are tied 
irrevocably to working the land, and by the exceptional leadership of 
the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs, Board Members, and 
volunteers. We could not be more appreciative to them for the well-
earned spotlight they shine on the infinite contributions made by Maine 
farmers and organized fairs, which have become a staple on the yearly 
calendar for our State and indeed across New England. To experience one 
of these wonderful fairs is to witness the very best of who we are as 
Mainers and to experience the limitless pride our farmers take in 
cultivating the bounty our great State has to offer.

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