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Fri-Sat-Sun August 18-19-20: Farm Fresh Food Fest in Tiny

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In Agriculture
Aug 3rd, 2017
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First annual showcase of local talent and resources

By Tiny Township Councillor Cindy Hastings

The inaugural Farm Fresh Food Fest is fast approaching! The volunteer association has been working very hard to put the finishing touches on what promises to be a successful annual celebration of agricultural, local businesses and our diverse local heritage.

The motivation behind the event is to give our farmers an opportunity to speak to the public about what they do and why they do it – and address many common misconceptions about modern farming. This is an opportunity for residents to learn about the food they eat through interactions with representatives from many different sectors of the agricultural industry.

The terrific line up of programming on Friday and Saturday includes speakers like Susan Chan, a consultant with Farms at Work, who will share her passion for pollinators, and TV personality Frank Ferragine, who will talk about growing food in your own backyard. Local musical talent, agricultural exhibits, animal displays, children’s activities, farm trail tours and much, much more make for a fun-filled weekend for all.

The focus for Friday will be on the children. There will be additional activities available for youth that day including a music and dance performance from We are the Villagers, a rare off-site visit from the Elmvale Zoo and activities from Creative Encounters with Science. Saturday will kick off with a tractor parade around the site. The annual Simcoe County Plowing Match will be at the event this year. There is also a dog show featuring a group of agility trained canine friends.

Crop plots have been planted and there will be animal displays. There will be both modern and antique equipment on site. Other exhibitors include the Agricultural Hall of Fame, the Tiny Pollinator group, invasive species management, SSEA and Sustainable Severn Sound.

Planted on site is a CSA garden, 3 sisters garden and a pollinator garden. Naturalist Bob Bowles will be conducting tours of these and the Old Farm Trail throughout the two days.

Saturday evening is the 100 Mile Dinner created by Ciboulette et Cie only using our local food. There will be local musical talent throughout the meal followed by the Desotos at 8pm so you can dance the night away. We are very honoured to be presenting the Simcoe County Food and Agriculture Charter Champion Awards during this evening event. Tickets for the dinner and dance are $75 and need to be purchased in advance. They include daytime admission.

On Sunday morning, we will give thanks for the land the farmers use to grow our food and bring the community together. There will be a Community Breakfast from 8:30 – 10 am followed by an Interfaith Service at 10 am lead by Father Michael from the Martyrs Shrine. Tickets for the breakfast are just $10 in advance.

The event is being held on August 18, 19 & 20th at 4230 Crossland Road and Concession 3 in the Township of Tiny. On-site parking is free and admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children. The event runs from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. All tickets are available online. Please visit the website for complete information about the event.

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