Friday at the fair

We got to the fair after noon because I had to pick Sam up at Sunday River from his commissioner’s conference. It was a long drive, but the leaves were turning color. So it was actually perfect.

The fair is a feast for the senses. I especially enjoyed the farmer’s markets at the North Gate. I bought seed garlic. Some from Fedco which turned out to be really high priced. The rest from small farmers – Peacemeal and Fisher Farm. I enjoyed shopping at both stands. No vegetables were purchased though. I have enough to deal with at home.

The proprietor at the Paprika booth was really fun to talk to. I bought a tiny jar of paprika that will probably become a Christmas gift. I was asking him about paprika peppers, particularly the variety called piment d’espelette. He didn’t use the name, calling his “Basque,” because he felt espelette was a designation of a particular territory like “champagne.” I told him I was familiar with piment d’espelette from my niece promoting it. He went on to say he was only familiar with one farm producing it and that was in Boonville, CA. And that’s where my niece lives, so bingo! I don’t think she works there anymore, being busy with two little ones these days. It’s nice to see specialty paprika making its way to Maine.

Websites:

• Peacemeal Farm, Dixmont
• Fisher Farm, Winterport
• Paprika from Morning Dew Farm, Damariscotta
• Boonville Barn Collective, Boonville, California