I’m sure many of our fabulous customers remember the spectacular ‘Savor and Sample’ event that Columbia County Extension Local Food Groups put on at our orchard last year. 

We had beautiful weather for our event last year but unfortunately it’s not looking quite as nice today.  FORTUNATELY many of the activities will be taking place under cover so you won’t have to worry about standing around in the rain.  Pack up your family and head on up to the Dells for a fun day at Savor and Sample.

A great preview article was written up in the Portage Daily Register a few days ago – read it HERE. 

If you go to the Third Annual Columbia County Savor and Sample Fest:

What: Third annual Columbia County Savor and Sample Fest.

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (Attendees may come as early as 8:30 a.m. for a local-foods brunch.)

Where: Thunder Valley Inn and Farms, W15344 Waubeek Road, one mile north of downtown Wisconsin Dells.

How to get there: From Portage, the easiest way to get there is to travel west on Highway 16. At the intersection with Highway 23 near Wisconsin Dells, proceed on Highway 13 north for about one mile, then follow the sign directing traffic over a narrow bridge. Travelers also may use Interstate 90/94 and exit at Exit 87, travel through Wisconsin Dells and turn left on Highway 13 at the intersection.

Cost: Admission to the event is free, but some activities (such as the beer, cheese and chocolate tasting) have a fee, and food will be offered for sale.

This year's event includes several new features:

• A farm tour, in which visitors can ride Wisconsin Dells' famous amphibious "ducks" for a visit to a working milking parlor.

• An appearance by the reigning Alice in Dairyland, Katie Wirkus.

• A chocolate, beer and cheese tasting. This requires advance registration, by calling Sarah Lloyd at 920/210-7335, or emailing Lloyd at sarah_lloyd@centurytel.net.

• Informational sessions on raising chickens in rural or urban settings. (Local ordinances vary.)

• Workshops on topics such as foraging for local food, or preserving foods.

Back is a farmers market, featuring foods grown in Columbia County and cooking demonstrations throughout the event.

I hope you all can go to learn about and support the local farmer’s.