Celebrate Vermont farmers, local musicians, and the apple harvest at the 9th Annual Small Farms Food Fest. On Sunday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Vermont farmers and food producers will create and sell specially prepared foods while musicians perform all day long at Shelburne Orchards. The Small Farms Food Fest encourages people to meet local food producers in a fun atmosphere, explained Nick Cowles, owner of Shelburne Orchards.   

The festival includes special foods prepared and sold by Vermont small farms and food producers, live music, tractor hayrides, pick your own apples, rope making demonstrations, a hay bale maze, face painting, Phin Sonin with circus arts, a tractor petting zoo, and other family-friendly activities. Local organizations that promote farming, recycling, and energy efficiency will also be showcased. 

For those under the age of 12 or over the age of 65, there is no charge. Otherwise, admission is a donation of $5.  Farm vendors may charge for the specialty foods they prepare.

Donations of nonperishable foods will be collected for local food shelves. Suggested items include tuna, peanut butter, soup, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, and canned meat.
During the harvest season, apples in many varieties are available to pick or purchase. Early apples include Paula Reds and Ginger Gold. During the season, Shelburne Orchards also has McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Liberty, Mutzu (Crispin), Macoun, Fuji, and Gala. Antique apples include Northern Spy, Cox Orange Pippen, and Roxbury Russet. Organic apples are only Liberty this year. Shelburne Orchards also grows cherries and peaches and produces sweet cider, ginger cider, non-alcoholic Ginger Jack, cider doughnuts, and apple pies.

"This year, we're co-sponsoring the Food Fest with Big Heavy World and The Radiator, whose devotion to Vermont music makes it a great partnership for us," commented Cowles. for more information call 985-2753 or check www.shelburneorchards.com.