While Maine Democrats spent the weekend selecting delegates to replace former U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner following his withdrawal from the race amid allegations of sexual assault, Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was on the campaign trail in her home county, greeting voters at one of northern Maine’s signature summer traditions.

Collins joined thousands of spectators Saturday at the 79th annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield, walking in the festival’s signature parade through downtown as residents celebrated Aroostook County’s agricultural heritage.

The nine-day festival, held each summer while potato fields are in bloom, honors the region’s farming tradition and draws participants from across northern Maine. This year’s parade featured local organizations, Maine Potato Blossom Queens, the Loring Job Corps Color Guard, and numerous community groups.

“For nearly eight decades, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival has brought people together from across The County to celebrate our cherished farmers, families, and agricultural traditions that make this part of Maine so special,” Collins said in a statement.

“As a native of Aroostook County, where my first job was picking potatoes for a local farmer, this festival has always felt like a celebration of home. It was a joy to walk in the Potato Blossom Parade, see so many familiar faces, and feel the community spirit that makes this event one of the highlights of a County summer.”

The appearance came as Democrats faced a pivotal weekend following the collapse of their Senate campaign. Party members across Maine held county caucuses Saturday and Sunday to elect delegates who will attend the July 25 Democratic convention in Bangor, where approximately 600 delegates are expected to choose a new nominee to challenge Collins in November.

Platner, who won the Democratic primary by a wide margin, withdrew from the race after multiple women accused him of sexual assault. He has denied the allegations. His departure forced the Maine Democratic Party to organize an expedited process to select a replacement before the state’s candidate certification deadline.

The contrast highlighted the different positions facing the two parties. While Democrats worked to rebuild their statewide campaign after losing their nominee, Collins continued making public appearances and connecting with voters as she seeks a sixth term representing Maine in the U.S. Senate.

The Potato Blossom Festival remains one of Aroostook County’s largest annual celebrations, showcasing the region’s deep agricultural roots and the potato industry that has long been a cornerstone of Maine’s economy.