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August 1, 2010

Bread heads gather at fair in Skowhegan

Second annual event finishes three days devoted to food staple

By Erin Rhoda erhoda@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

SKOWHEGAN -- Pumpkin bread, blueberry bread, sourdoughs, margarita pizza, cereals.

click image to enlarge

Linda MacManus, of Orrington, makes a purchase from Donna Mionis, owner of Daily Bread in Levant, at Skowhegan’s Artisan Bread Fair on Saturday.

Staff photo by Erin Rhoda

Hundreds of people came to the second annual Maine Artisan Bread Fair on Saturday at the Skowhegan State Fairgrounds to enjoy and learn about all things bread-related: masonry stoves, cookware, bread toppings and baked goods.

The bread fair culminated the prior two days of the fourth annual Kneading Conference, which boasted lectures, workshops and hands-on demonstrations. The three days of events brought together novice and professional bakers, millers and farmers from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Scott Belanger was a nurse and nurse practitioner for 18 years before deciding to open Olde Oak Farm in Maxfield.

People flocked to his table of cheeses on Saturday to try samples. "Stick around. I've got cheesy jokes," he said.

Kenneth Copp, of Thorndike, owns Living Grains Bakery in Thorndike and said he came to the fair to learn about masonry wood stoves. His family's bakery, which opened in April, is running out of capacity, he said.

"We're just exploring and learning new things," he said.

Linda MacManus came from Orrington to the bread fair. "This is the best bread ever," she said as she purchased a loaf from Donna Mionis, who owns Daily Bread in Levant.

Mionis said she keeps her baking technique simple. Each loaf has the same five ingredients, plus another ingredient for flavor, such as garlic, dill or blueberries.

Her family is all involved in the bakery. One son mans the stove, while another helps mix dough; her husband and daughter make deliveries; and her three youngest daughters take out the trash and write up labels.

It was her first time at the fair. "I really wasn't sure what to expect, but it's been wonderful," she said.

Erin Rhoda -- 474-9534

erhoda@centralmaine.com

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