The burgers have been grilled, the marshmallows have been roasted and the gallon-sized basket of strawberries that we bought at the Saturday Market a few weeks ago has run its course - These are all signs that Summer has officially arrived for students and teachers across the state! This temporary freedom from the daily grind lends endless possibilities for those of us who become restless after only a few days of sitting by the pool. Are you already looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend? Look no further than the 4th Annual Upstate Farm Tour, taking place from 1 to 6 PM on June 5th and 6th, throughout the Upstate of SC!
This event is annually sponsored by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in conjunction with Whole Foods Market and features a "Behind the Scenes" tour of 20 local farms. The tour offers an outstanding opportunity to make direct connections with local farmers and other members of the thriving agricultural community all across the Upstate. With this year's abundance of farms featured on the tour, there are activities for the entire family to participate in throughout the course of the day. While mom and dad are educated about the foods they buy and sustainable growing methods that can be applied at home in the garden, kids can learn to appreciate where their foods come from through interacting with farm animals and participating in "farm to fork" activities, like peeling and making your own french fries (at the Clemson University Sustainable Farm)!
The Upstate Farm Tour highlights 20 farms that use organic or environmentally responsible growing practices - this offers an opportune time for those wishing to learn about local food and produce to make connections with farmers that rely heavily on the support and patronage of the community. Being self guided, you can explore the tour at your own pace; this allows plenty of time for everyone to discover sources of fresh and healthy food in our own backyard!
As quoted from the CFSA website:
" The 2010 features a diversity of local farms, including fruit and vegetable growers, livestock producers, two dairies, a worm farm, mushroom farm, and a hydroponic producer. A new highlight of this year’s tour is inclusion of the Bowie Old Farm Show where visitors can step back in time and gain hands-on experience with the traditional farming methods of generations past.Two farms, Sharon Rose Farm in Woodruff, and Split Creek Farm in Anderson will be meal-stops on the tour, offering farm fresh food, cooked onsite for guests looking for a special on-farm lunch or supper. Many farms will be offering fun activities unique to the tour. "
Getting hungry for fresh fruits and veggies yet? Want to bring a friend along? Carpool with the neighbors while on your trek to save money and gas, and be sure to pack a cooler on the road so you can stock up on what the farms have for purchase on-site and in their stores!
In order to participate, you must purchase a button for your vehicle to let the farmers know you are part of the official tour! Buttons and maps are available at these Upstate locations:
Hub City Farmer’s Market (Spartanburg)
Happy Cow Creamery (Pelzer)
Live Oak Farm Store (Woodruff)
Split Creek Farm (Anderson)
Whole Foods Market (Woodruff Rd - Greenville)
The tour costs $25 in advance per vehicle (or cycling group) Entrance buttons may also be purchased on tour days at Whole Foods on Woodruff Rd, and at every farm for $30. Individual farms may be toured for $10. Remember, all proceeds support the work of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, which promotes local and organic farming and agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers like us!
By taking part in this event, you will not only be having a blast while trekking all across the Upstate with your friends to kick off Summer, you'll be educating yourself and your family on ways to actively take part in your the local economy through buying, eating and cooking local & fresh foods!
Happy touring, and remember to stay active and eat healthy this Summer!
For more information, please visit:
http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/uft2010.shtml
To purchase advance tickets, visit the following:
https://www.netforumondemand.com/eWeb/Shopping/Shopping.aspx?Cart=0&Site=cfsa
Many thanks to Ron Jones, the Culinary Specialist of Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services and member of the Hub City Market Board of Directors, for providing information on this event and supporting our Food Revolution!
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