In the heart of the Valley, the Frederick County Homesteaders Farm Crawl is back, scheduled for June 14th. In a recent episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael, showcases the event which promises to bring together farmers and the local community in a day filled with fun, learning, and delicious fresh produce. Janet welcomed several guests including Sam Armel, Jaclyn Mommen, Megan Craggs, and newcomer Rhonda Donadieu, each representing different farms and sharing their passion and agenda for the upcoming event.
Frederick County Homesteaders, represented by Sam Armel, kicked off the conversation explaining their mission to connect local communities with farmers and rejuvenate local agriculture. Sam highlighted that their farm crawls are self-guided tours allowing families to interact directly with the farmers, ask questions, and purchase fresh produce directly from the source. She emphasized that the event not only supports local farmers but also educates the community on local agriculture through various publications and workshops.
Janet remarked on the evolving relationship between farmers and their communities, noting how farmers now welcome visitors with open arms, eager to reconnect with consumers. Rhonda, representing Simple Gifts Farmstead, reiterated that the farm crawl is a family event designed to engage children and adults alike, providing an informative and interactive experience on how food is raised.
Jaclyn Mommen from Patti’s Place at Laurel Grove Wine Farm shared the exciting activities planned at their vineyard including hayride tours and a special wine and meat pairing event. Megan Craggs of Carter Hall Farm enthused about the farm tour they have prepared, featuring their Berkshire pigs and other farm animals, along with local vendors. Rhonda added that Simple Gifts Farmstead would offer a free-flowing exploration format allowing visitors to enjoy various farm animals and participate in a lunch fundraiser for their nonprofit organization.
Sam provided essential details for attendees, advising to come prepared with proper attire, sunscreen, and cash as some farmers might not have card facilities. She also reiterated that advanced ticket purchases were encouraged due to limited availability of certain event perks. The event's culmination will see the debut of their bi-annual shop local guide featuring stories, recipes, and farm DIYs.
For more information and tickets, visit FrederickCountyHomesteaders.com and follow them on social media for updates. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get to know your local farmers and their vital contributions to our community.
To hear an earlier conversation with Jaclyn Mommen about Laurel Grove Wine Farm, click here.
To hear an earlier conversation with Megan Craggs about Carter Hall Farm, click here.
