DAN CEARNS The StandardKAWARTHA LAKES: Tickets are expected to go on sale this week for the 22nd annual Kawartha Farmfest.
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, as well as purchase lunch at some of the host locations or one of our three local Farmers Markets [Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Kinmount], which are also being held during Kawartha Farmfest."
Last year, Farmfest saw close to 750 attendees take part."We have a new host location this year, The Roost Farm in Dalrymple. They're celebrating the opening of their farm store during the event. This year, ticket sales will be much simpler than in past years (due to COVID-19). Each adult ticket sold will include admission into all the farms, and participants are able to visit each location any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. They can spend as much time as they like at each host farm during Farmfest," Ms. Callaghan explained.
Lindsay and Bobcaygeon's Kawartha Dairy locations are also offering ticket holders a "Buy one cone, Get one cone free" coupon for the day of Farmfest.
Ms. Callaghan shared that she hopes Farmfest acts as an inspiration to keep the agricultural sector going.
"I hope Farmfest lets visitors see the true variety of agricultural businesses we have locally. Learning about farms and local food and meeting the people who work in each host location could inspire future farmers and those with diverse business ideas within the agriculture industry."
For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/business-growth/kawartha-farmfest.aspx.
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