Growing concern

Sure, there’s still a little bit of snow left on the ground, but it’s never too early to think about farming. Or, more specifically, community-supported agriculture. “People ask what we do with ourselves all winter and whether we spend it in Florida while waiting for the ground to thaw,” said Linda Rose of Agricola Farms in Union. However, these are key months for planning – not to mention a great time for farmers and consumers to get a jump on spring. According to the classic CSA model, customers become “members” of a farm by buying an agreed amount of farm products known as a “share” – usually purchased in the early spring. Most Maine CSAs start distributing in May or June with a mix of spring greens and finish in the fall or winter with assorted root vegetables and squash. Sound tempting? Visit http://www.getrealmaine.com/buy/csafarms.html to find a farm near you.

Cool caffeine

What’s better than a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee? A free cup. To celebrate the first day of spring, all Maine Dunkin’ Donuts franchises will give away iced coffee next Wednesday, March 21 – for a total of nearly 610,000 free cups nationwide.

Irish cheer

Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day – and now, it seems every pub in downtown Bangor is, too. Paddy Murphy’s, the newest public house on the Bangor scene, will be open for St. Patrick’s Day, along with other members of the downtown Irish triumvirate: Cristor’s and the Whig & Courier (owned by Bangor’s beloved Irishman Chris Geaghan) – as well as the tried and true favorite, Geaghan’s at the Best Inn on Main Street. In other words, there’s no shortage of places to get your Guinness on this weekend.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.