Local Grow-Fest

It's finally here. Today is the 3rd annual Growing Local Fest, and I'm excited - but disappointed too, because I can't stay for the whole thing.  It takes place at the green of Vermont College in Montpelier, Vt. from 2pm -10pm

The mission of the Growing Local Fest is to nurture the local organic food movement by building a  community culture of self-sufficient food production.

The event will include workshops, demonstrations, and music & arts performances. I also noticed signs around town announcing a home-brew competition and a pesto contest. So, it's all about education and inspiration ... with the goal of creating a strong and resilient local food system for a mindful community of producers and consumers.

Today's motto is: Grow Local. Eat Local. Drink Local. Dance Local. Sing Local. Build Local. Buy Local. Create Local.

Which leads to the question; what is "Local"?  Organizers of the Grow-Fest tell us:

"At its simplest, “Local” is a geographic unit (or things associated with said unit). It is also a perspective from which to view the manifestations of the world around us. And, perhaps in its grandest sense, “Local” is an ethic that seeks to respect, and appreciate to the fullest, the attributes that make each place unique."

That's food for thought.

Many farmers in the Rt. 100 corridor of Vermont lost much of their fall crops to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene on August 28. The heavy rainfall caused many rivers to rise over the banks at more than 100-year-flood levels, flooding fields and residences in many communities and causing a lot of destruction. The Santa Davida Organic Farm in Waitsfield, Vt. managed to save 25% of some of it's crops, including pumpkins, squash and corn.