Deer Isle-Stonington -
Local foods - and everything that goes into producing them - are on the menu in Deer Isle-Stonington this weekend.
Organizers of the first Local Foods Festival say it's also a celebration of rural life.
As Deer Isle Stonington plays host to one of the largest farmers markets in Maine, the fascination with locally grown food won't stop when the market closes for the day.
The community is showing off all the island has to offer, all weekend long.
Kelly Kolysher with the Chamber of Commerce says, "We want to get more people down here and get these businesses exposed and let other people know what else goes on in Deer Isle. It's not just a fishing village, it's not just a tourist destination."
To do that, the chamber of commerce organized the first Local Foods Festival.
But it's about more than just food.
The work of area artists is also on display, along with demonstrations on sustainable living, like cider pressing.
Tim Seabrook of 5 Star Nursery and Orchard says, "These workshops take you from just picking an apple to where you can a pick a number of apples and press them to where you can make hard cider or cider, so it kind of extends the knowledge base."
Organizers hope this event will extend the tourist season on the island, too, by highlighting shops, stores, even working farms that stay open all year long.
Rob Cushman with Yellow Birch Farm says, "It's quiet down here this time of year and I think it's important more people know about it so we can have a final push before things quiet down for the season."
While the fresh food is the focus of this festival, the people are as much a part of it, too.
Laura Dahlen of Creations-By-Laura sys, "Local people have a reputation inland of not being very friendly, here it's just the opposite. They are wonderful, warm and giving. It's just a delightful place to be."
For a complete list of all the food fun, you can log on to the chamber of commerce website at www.deerisle.com.