Maine Harvest Festival draws thousands to Bangor [Video]

BANGOR, Maine — The Maine Harvest Festival drew thousands of customers to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor looking to sample and buy from vendors from across the state.

Event organizers decided to implement two new firsts to this year’s event: introducing craft vendors and making admission free.

The two might have helped the attendance grow, according to Brad LaBree, director of sales and marketing for the insurance center.

“This year is shaping up to be a really awesome year. The first Saturday saw more attendance than last year’s weekend [days] combined,” he said.

Saturday’s crowds meant sales were better than expected for some vendors, such as Bouchard Family Farms.

“My husband actually had to bring more product down to me because we sold out yesterday,” Janice Bouchard said while her family’s booth served fresh ployes—a crepe-like treat made of buckwheat—and drawing a steady stream …