Kawartha Farmfest returns in October

DAN CEARNS The StandardKAWARTHA LAKES: The return of the annual event, Kawartha Farmfest, is fast approaching, and tickets are now available. Kawartha Farmfest is a self-guided driving tour of local farms and rural attractions in the City of Kawartha Lakes. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, October 12th.

"Agriculture is a key part of life (and business) in Kawartha Lakes. Kawartha Farmfest is a time when we can invite our whole community and those outside our community to take a look at some of our farms and businesses. It's a chance to see farms firsthand, walk in fields, see livestock, and learn about local agriculture. Farms aren't always open to the public, and Farmfest is an annual opportunity to visit local farms and agricultural attractions," Kimberly Callaghan from the City of Kawartha Lakes explained.

She also told The Standard what people can get out of attending this annual event.

"There are lots of hands-on experiences, from getting to know farm animals to collecting eggs to spinning wool. They get a chance to visit a farm and meet the farmers who grow our food and take care of livestock. They can get lost (and found) in one of two corn mazes, go on wagon rides, or meet the animals in a petting zoo. Some activities have extra fees, and these are noted on the Farmfest website for those planning their visits. Attendees can also purchase local food and products and lunch at some of the host locations or one of our three local Farmers Markets (Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Kinmount) that are also being held during Kawartha Farmfest."

Joseph Stellpflug and David Martin from Stellmar Farm in Little Britain, one of the participating farms, told The Standard in a joint response why they decided to become a host site for the event.

"We already welcome our regular customers during the fall. Farmfest is a perfect addition to our farm business. We run special events and have a food venue for this event. We love that the participants can go to several farms and venues that day to experience the different aspects of farming."

They also discussed what they want people to take from this experience.

"We want our guests to leave with a greater appreciation and knowledge of what farmers do, how food is grown, and have a great time in an engaging environment. We want people to support our local farms and businesses."

Ms. Callaghan talked about how Farmfest showcases the agricultural diversity of Kawartha Lakes. "Farmfest is a great showcase of just some of the many farms and agricultural businesses in the Kawartha Lakes. The farms on the tour represent a small number of the producers we have locally, and it's a great opportunity to share just how much variety there is in local agriculture."

Last year, Farmfest saw close to 750 attendees. Lindsay and Bobcaygeon's Kawartha Dairy locations are offering ticket holders a "Buy one cone, Get one cone free" coupon for the day of Farmfest.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to www.kawarthafarmfest.com. Ticket sales end on October 11th.