Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. Olympia J. 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.