More than 100 farms all across Maine will welcome visitors this Sunday ”“ Open Farm Day. It’s the 20th year for this annual summer event organized by the Maine Department of Agriculture.

Most farms that participate in this midsummer event probably hope to profit from it, and also to educate the public about agriculture. For many people, an outing to a nearby farm is a blend of education and entertainment. It is a chance to admire a well-managed slice of nature.

Farming may have its share of hardships, but not usually in mid-July, when crops are ripening and days are warm. According to the marketing information for Open Farm Day, Sunday’s events will offer “a hayride of fun.”

Lists of participating farms around the state are  available by calling the Department of Agricultureat 287-3702, or visiting the Web site at www.getrealmaine.com.

Large scale and traditional farms are outnumbered on this list by specialty farms catering to retail markets. In the agricultural expanses of Aroostook County, there are only two participating operations ”“ and one of them is an agricultural museum.

In contrast, York County has 15  farms that plan to open their gates to visitors Sunday. Some are directly involved in retail sales, and a surprising number are devoted to the breeding and raising of non-traditional livestock ”“ alpacas, llamas, Icelandic sheep and cashmere goats.

The list also includes well-known visitor-friendly spreads like McDougal Orchards in Springvale and Harris Farm in Dayton. A  small number of dairy farms across the state will be open, including Leary Farm in Saco.

The tours, demonstrations and activities will appeal to those who contemplate farming as a more rewarding alternative to their daily toil. Visitors who believe that buying locally is the key to a sound economy and a healthy diet, are likely to find opportunities to invest in this ideal.

Agriculture is changing, especially in southern Maine, which was once crowded with farms. Leary Farm is now the only dairy farm in Saco, but when Jim Leary begin operations there in the 1940s, it was one of 40. Corn and other vegetables were once canned fresh from the field and the price per bushel of New England apples was quoted on agricultural exchanges around the world.

Open Farm Day is a reminder that farming remains a viable enterprise for some entrepreneurs. It shows the value that cultivation and husbandry can still provide, and helps bring knowledgeable consumers and producers together.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen Schulze Muszynski or Nick Cowenhoven at 282-1535 or kristenm@journaltribune.com or nickc@journaltribune.com.