The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY.  Are you ready to shake off cabin fever with the crisp taste of a locally grown apple, the purchase of an array of farm raised rutabagas and other root vegetables, or a sampling of delicious cheese, cider, and wine produced locally?

The Saturday, March 5 Food from the Farm event from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Plattsburgh Recreation Center gymnasium on the US Oval in Plattsburgh, NY, is a celebration of local foods and North Country farmers, wine and cidermakers, food processors, and chefs.

This family-friendly event, organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County, Adirondack Harvest, and the Master Gardeners program features:

. .  tasting and sampling at dozen of booths, including tasting stations created by four chefs who highlight local products on the menus at Blue Collar Bistro, The Hungry Trout,  Latitude 44 Bistro, and the Pepper;

. . an indoor farmers’ market offering everything from apples, root vegetables and high tunnel grown winter greens to fruit jams, herbs, beef and other freezer meats, maple, honey, wine, cheese, and cider;

. . the opportunity to meet farmers, see photos of their farms, and talk with them about the foods they produce;

. . sign-up for 2016 Community Supported Agriculture memberships that provide a regular supply of fresh harvest and locally produced foods throughout the growing season;

. . wine and hard cider tastings and sales by regional wineries, including members of the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail and information on where to find agritourism sites;

. . a cooking demonstration by Cornell Cooperative Extension Nutrition Educator Jordy Kivett;

. . Master Gardeners on hand to answer questions;

. . live musical entertainment added for the 2016 event: The Library Jam Band from 2-3:30pm and Jay Lesage from 3:30-5pm;

. . a walking tomato character offering samples through the crowd; and

. . free tickets at each farm booth to enter in a drawing for more than 20 door prizes.

Food from the Farm organizer Amy Ivy notes: This event is a great way to get for some fresh air and learn about all the local products that are available now and throughout the year. Getting to know our local farmers and discovering the quality and variety of products available locally encourages a strong economy and adds delicious diversity to meal planning.

For an inside look at this event, enjoy a video visit to Food from the Farm with Derek Muirden of Mt. Lake Journal online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_BWpdQfqqw.  He talks with Amy Ivy, vegetable grower Adam Hainer, cheesemaker Steve Googin, and apple grower Jesse Mulbury.

Unlimited sampling, door prize tickets and helpful information are all included in the admission of $5 per adult, $20 per family, 5 years and younger free. Tickets are available in advance on the CCE website at http://cce.cornell.edu/clinton, at the CCE office in Plattsburgh, or at the door. For more information contact CCE at 518.561.7450 or email Amy Ivy at adi2@cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.