By MECHELE COOPER

Staff Writer

Denis Thoet is looking forward to showing off how he harvests hay and mulch with hand tools.

He also wants people to see his drip irrigation system.

Thoet, of Long Meadow Farm in West Gardiner, is among more than 100 farmers in Maine participating in 18th annual Open Farm Day on July 22.

The event is organized by the Maine Department of Agriculture as an attempt to grow appreciation of the state's remaining farms.

His farm, at 29 Long Meadow Drive, is diverse: He grows organic crops and raises chickens, sheep and goats.

"We think that it's very important that people know how their food is made, the process of growing food rather than just going to the supermarket and picking up stuff," Thoet said. "Also, (Open Farm Day) lets people know how we do things and who we are."

Visiting hours are generally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., though some farms may extend their hours for special events such as milking.

Maine farms offer diverse demonstrations, displays, farm-raised products, animals and on-site activities to experience.

Activities may include barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, petting zoos, nature trails, beautiful scenery, samples for tasting, refreshments and even live music.

Judy Perry, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, said the event is a popular family affair. People see what farming and raising livestock are all about. And they also get to sample produce.

"Farming across the nation and in Maine has declined," Perry said. "Our children today need to know where our food and fiber comes from. And these farmers are dedicated to ensuring farms continue to prosper into the future."

She said major newspapers throughout the state will publish an insert July 20 that includes a complete statewide listing of participating farms, along with directions. The statewide listing of participants in the Open Farm Day is also available at all Hannaford supermarkets and on the Maine Department of Agriculture Web site, http://www.getrealmaine.com

Alan Russo of Blue Sky Alpaca Farm in Whitefield said he likes showing off his small alpaca farm at 332 Townhouse Road.

"Alpacas are an unknown animal," Russo said. "People don't know a lot about them. There's a lot of differences in alpaca, they're not anything like sheep, but they're still livestock. They're a real income type animal, not just a hobby."

Opening his 10 1/2-acre farm to the public one day a year doesn't take a lot of effort, he said. Visitors often stop and visit.

"We're glad to show them the animals," he said. "We're always open to anyone."

Nancy Chandler produces a mixed variety of organic vegetables on her farm at 191 South Monmouth Road in south Monmouth.

At the Phoenix Farm, Chandler said people will get to tour her gardens and see demonstrations on how to build a compost pile and make their own fertilizer.

Visitors on Open Farm Day also will be able to get up close and personal with horses at the Albertson's Pleasure Horses farm in Madison.

Brenda Albertson said this is the first year she signed up for the event. Her boarding, breeding and training facility is located at 155 Horsetail Hill Road.

"It's a great way for people to get to know the farm and what we do," Albertson said. "We'll have demonstrations going on and I'll have a lot of free information from the horse breeders' association. We'll also have some hands-on activities."

Earlene Ingram of Fireside Ridge farm in Mount Vernon said this is the second open house she's participated in. She also raises alpacas.

"We had a great turnout last year, much more than we expected," Ingram said. "We'll be showing how our farm works, introducing them to the animals and talking about the benefits of raising alpacas. We'll also have a spinning demonstration and we'll offer light refreshments."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com