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Real Maine offers statewide promotions (print, radio, web and news stories) to encourage visitors to meet participating members and support Maine agriculture year-round. There is no fee for farms to join Real Maine or the voluntary promotional opportunities. Members can refer to DACF's agritourism resources to help their event planning.
If you want assistance and info about Maine Open Farm Day 2024, there's still time to register for the March 14 webinar. If you're unable to attend live, you should complete the registration to submit questions and access a recording, which will be available after the webinar (providing there are no technical glitches).
Ready to join the no-added-cost promotional program to support Maine's farms, farm products and related businesses?
Use the new member and event sign up form to become a Real Maine member and to sign up for statewide events such as Maine's Open Farm Day (watch this introductory video to learn more), the Real Maine Ice Cream Trail, and/or Real Maine's Fall Fiber Tour & Trail.
You can sign up for Real Maine's statewide promotions in just a few steps!
- Choose and open the Current Member Sign Up Form for an event
- Enter your email address (typically your farm email address) and password for your Real Maine membership account
- Follow the instructions on the sign-up form
- Click submit and begin planning!
Maine's Open Farm Day is a statewide event, started by Maine farmers and supporters in 1989. For more than 30 years, this premier agritourism event has been a way to raise awareness about farms and their importance to Maine. It is an opportunity to connect visitors to Maine farms so they may learn and see firsthand the care and effort to produce quality Maine farm products and ingredients year-round. Each site is different and offers visitors a chance to meet farmers and learn more about the role of farms across Maine.
The Real Maine Ice Cream Trail brings together different businesses with a shared passion for local dairy farms and food. The participating locations proudly feature Maine-made ice cream made with Maine milk and cream from Maine dairy farms. Ice cream parlors, creameries, and scoop shops open to the public this summer and fall are invited to participate and share the ways they are connected to Maine's dairying farms and families. The promotional features kick-off each year as part of June dairy month campaigns, and extends throughout the warmer months to encourage tasty explorations throughout the state!
The Real Maine Fiber Tour & Trail is a statewide event that happens in October to coincide with the start of fall foliage season, and other agrtiourism and maker events that attract visitors. It can be a tool to support business promotions and agricultural awareness using behind-the-scenes introductions and "open house" - style events or pop-ups. October is a month when many visitors are exploring Maine for foliage season, and beginning their shopping selections. Plus, the Small Business Association supports National Women's Small Business Month, as do Co-ops and brand collectives. This combination of celebrations is another tool to help Maine's fibershed businesses enhance their business promotions, and feature quality farm goods in time for Maine's cooler weather seasons.
Does your farm host its own events throughout the year? Consider adding it to the Real Maine calendar! Use the "Submit an Event" feature in the member portal. You can enter a customized description, location, and event hours. Event requests are reviewed and typically appear Real Maine's online event calendar within two business days. Tip: submit any event requests at least 3-4 weeks before an event date, if not sooner.
In case you missed it: Use this link to watch the on-demand recording of Real Maine's February webinar about how to sign up for Real Maine's statewide promotional events.
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