Celebrate National Agriculture Day at the Vermont State House

Spring begins Saturday, March 20. It is also National Agriculture Day, part of National Agriculture Month. This year, thanks to two new one woman businesses, support from Maple Corner, Calais and Vermont businesses from Windsor to South Hero, a new, free, farm based event is being launched: Celebrate National Agriculture Day at the Vermont State House

Vermont’s first annual Celebrate National Agriculture Day at the Vermont State House will include farm, food, farm support, and farm and food art exhibits; Vermont food sampling; a Parade of Vermont Farms led by Clover the Cow, a noon mini concert, educational materials and giveaways. Vermont’s Governor Douglas will welcome attendees and introduce the parade. Local musician Tim Brick will provide musical accompaniment for the farm parade. Lieutenant Governor Dubie and Agriculture Secretary Allbee will comment on Vermont’s current farm and food sector situation and the state’s farm and food heritage. Toby Talbot will offer an exhibit of farm and food photography from his lengthy professional career. 

Maple Corner citizens will present a community display of agriculture and food stream businesses and activities; the 2009 Calais Town Plan set a goal of increasing agricultural and small business support. Organizers Diane Konrady and Shirlee Inglis will display an update on the statewide Vermont Cuisine History and Cookbook Project. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite Vermont recipes and stories about them to become part of the project.

The noon concert band is Ripp van Winkle and the Sleepy Hollow Boys, led by long time popular local musician Jimmy T Thurston. The band will debut the song Don’t Complain about R Farmers with Yer Mouthful. 

The event will be open to the public from10:30 to 2 p.m. and is free to exhibitors and attendees, thanks to support from the Cabot Cheese dairy farm families.  Sat March 19, 2011 is already confirmed for next year’s event. Sales are not allowed at the State House, but information will be provided to allow purchase of t-shirts to support the annual event honoring Vermont farmers. 

Anyone interested in being part of the Parade of Vermont Farms may assemble in the 2nd floor Cafeteria Dining Area about 10:30. Vermonters are invited to send favorite recipes with their source and information about their use, any time, to Diane Konrady Slice of Vermont Resources Box 183 Calais VT 05648, diane@SliceofVermont.com or dkonvt@gmail.com. 

Since national agricultural marketing and cattle women associations introduced the idea in 1973 the first day of Spring has marked a national celebration of America’s food and fiber industry. 

Maple Corner is one of three villages in the town of Calais. This small hamlet was in the public eye a few years back when the Men of Maple Corner Calendar became an international hit. Food writer Marialisa Calta was one of the main forces behind that successful fundraising effort for the local community center.