Yes, the news in the paper’s and the word on the street is true.  Lapacek’s Orchard is the host of this year’s Columbia Counties Savor & Sample Fest.  What is the Savor and Sample Fest?  Well… we’re hoping to help you rediscover the benefits of buying and eating locally grown food.

Features of the fest:

• Meander around the orchard
• Grab a map and if you’re in the mood I have scavenger hunts – both photo and scouting ones
• Taste my Uncle Chuck’s Booyah Stew made from almost all locally grown products (almost…)
• Chicken from Lundeen’s Farm
• Green Beans and Carrots from Dorothy Priske
• Onions, Corn, Cabbage, Tomato Juice, Potato’s and Beef from Lapacek’s
• Celery & Peas from our local Piggly Wiggly
• My uncle and cousin came yesterday to start the stew
• And, it’s not 7:00 yet and they’re already here getting the stew going.
• Cooking Demo’s
• 1:15 Ardyce Piehl of Taste of Home Magazine, and Becky Gutzman, UWEX; Ardyce and Becky are making Apple Pie Burritos and Apple-Squash Bake
• 1:45 Drew Nussbaum, Columbia Co Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau; Andrew is making Raspberry-Apple Salsa
• 2:15 Earl Kruger, chef and Sun Prairie Farmer’s Market Manager, Earl is making fruit leather
• 2:45 Patricia Fischbeck of The Speckled Hen Inn; Patricia is making Apple Fritters
• 3:15 Julia Hornacher of Julie’s Java House; Julie is demonstrating how to make grilled apple & cheese sandwiches
• Old Fashion Apple Press Demo and a Hard Cider Expert
• 1:30 & 3:00

A miniature farmer’s market will also be found at the market including -

Lundeen Farms, Columbus – pork, chicken and vegetables – AND they’re bringing a little pig for you to meet too!

Jeff Kelly – vegetables

A Piece of Cake – Portage – a bakery

Tietz Produce – Beaver Dam – popcorn

Circle J Southdowns – Rio – lamb

Sassy Cow – Milk, Ice Cream and String Cheese

I’d better not forget to talk about the fantastic Kid’s Activities that are planned for the day

• Gourd Painting (dress your kids in ‘play’ clothes please)
• Butternut Squash Bowling
• Apples on a String
• Water Balloon Tosses
• Bubbles