More Fairs

[Guest guest]

Remember the old days (well, maybe some don't) when there was just the County Fair - it's been expanded in many ways. There are macro fairs, cruises, camps all over the world. When my kids were little I used to go to Baby Fairs. Lots of Alternative Health fairs.

The subject matters have widened - alot - and so have the fairs from what used to be just country fairs - the ones below start out with organic emphasis, but go to lots of other places.

I received this in one of my gardening sites, nice to know these things exist.

Klara

(hmm, interesting activities, manure toss???at the Common Ground Fair)

My Rodale e-newsletter gave me a link to an article that featured some large organic food festivals in different parts of the US. Here is an excerpt from the article: Northeast Organic Farming Association Summer Conference, August 7–9, Amherst, MAThis year marks the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s 35th annual summer conference at the University of Massachusetts, and you too can participate in the celebration. The conference will hold more than 200 workshops for kids, teens, and adults, focused on themes such as organic farming, sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, and activism. Take a workshop to learn how to make butter, find out more about climate change, practice stretches that help a farmer or gardener’s body, and more. Live music, dancing, games, and a farmer’s market full of food and are also a part of the weekend festival. view

link

Midwestern Bio-Ag Field Day, August 18, Clyde, WIThe Midwestern Bio-Ag Field Day includes walking farm tours and opportunities to learn about organic farming practices you can implement in your own garden. Dave Perkins, owner of Vermont Valley Farms CSA, will talk about small-farming production systems, and other farming experts will present on biological farming, crop systems, dairy, forage production, and more. Walk through the farm on a self-guided tour, meet up with local farmers for lunch, and check out the exhibits on display. view linkOrganic Planet Festival, August 30, Eureka, Humboldt County, CAEnjoy music and organic food and drinks, participate in workshops, and see the World’s Largest Organic Salad. You can learn from local experts how to grow and use herbs, build a successful sustainable garden, and work

with soil. Former editor-in-chief of Organic Gardening magazine Mike McGrath will be on hand to give tips on changing your farming habits from harmful to healthful. view linkGrow and Share Music Festival, September 6, Rolesville, NCFight hunger and have fun at the same time by attending the Grow And Share Festival in Rolesville. Listen to local bands while learning from local farmers about gardening and plant care. Walk away with free plants and seeds to start your own garden! And learn about Grow and Share’s Hunger Relief Programs, aimed at fighting hunger and poverty by connecting neighbors so they can garden and build together. view linkRodale Institute Organic Apple Festival, September 12, Rodale Institute, Maxatawny, PAThe Rodale

Institute, founded in 1947 by organic pioneer J.I. Rodale, offers an opportunity pick fresh, delicious, organic apples—some varieties everyone will be familiar with, and some that are totally unique. You’ll also enjoy children’s activities and crafts, live music, and organic snacks. Plus tours of the Institute’s gorgeous vegetable and herb gardens, the new natural agriculture garden, as well as the Farming Systems Trial, which is the longest-running experiment in the U.S. specifically designed to compare organic and conventional farming practices. All in the very cradle of the organic movement in the U.S. view linkCommon Ground Fair, September 25–27, Unity, MELearn about everything from composting to folk art. Talk with organic farmers from all around Maine, test agricultural products like farm-made soaps, compost, and fiber arts, and compete

in activities like the foot race, fleece show, or manure toss (!). See displays on energy and shelter, country kitchen demos, and crafts and creatures from Maine fiber farms, and take home a haul of fresh, locally harvested organic produce. view linkThe Hoes Down Harvest Festival Full Belly Farm, October 3, Capay Valley, CAThe most citified foodie can experience rural America at the Hoes Down Festival. Activities for kids range from ice cream churning to hay fort exploring. Adults can participate in agricultural workshops and learn about pest control, organic fruit trees, small farm equipment, and more. Walk around the farm grounds and enjoy live music, a farmer’s market, crafts, and all sorts of organic food. Camp out in the farm’s almond orchard to complete the weekend experience. view

link