Welcome to Skagit County

September 13th, 2005

FARM TOUR OFFERS ACRES OF FUN FOR EVERYONE… E-I-E-I-O!

SKAGIT VALLEY, WA The 7th Annual Festival of Family Farms takes place October 1-2, 2005. Festival hours are Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from12pm to 4pm. The event offers farm tours and activites that are free to the public on 15 Skagit Valley farms.

Attendees will learn first-hand how farms & farmers play an important role in all of our lives as they enjoy a wide variety of activites including: informational tours of row crop, animal, Christmas tree & shellfish farms, orchards, greenhouses and processing facilities; unique children’s activities; farmstands; hayrides; pumpkin patches; farm animal petting pens; corn mazes; Meet the Farmer sessions; large equipment displays & demonstrations; free samples, delectable treats and much more.

Admission and parking are free; the majority of activites are also free. Participants may choose from 15 participating family farms located in Alger, Bow, Burlington, Concrete, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Rockport, and Sedro-Woolley at take a self-guided tour at their own pace.

Farm maps are available at the festival website: www.festivaloffamilyfarms.com; Skagit Valley area Chambers of Commerce; the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, a special pullout section in the September 21st Skagit Valley Herald; WSU/Skagit County Extension office or at two Welcome Barns that will be open during festival hours including Premium Outlets located at 448 Fashion Way in Burlington and at Skagit Station located at 105 E. Kincaid Street in downtown Mount Vernon.

During exploration and play, attendees will learn about: “Certified Organic”, grass-fed Angus beef; Scottish Highland cattle; organic produce, organic pastures & sustainable agriculture; alpaca fiber & breeding; oyster & clam farming and the need for clean water; the scope of commercial farming operations including equipment; planting, pruning & harvesting (berries, vegetables, bulbs, flowers, shellfish and more); wine production; Christmas tree selection and care; small woodlands forest management practices and much more.

Public inquiries may be directed to festivaloffamilyfarms.com or WSU/Skagit County Extension office 360/428-4270.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Leslie Wisdom, Festival Director
360/707-5710
leslie@festivaloffamilyfarms.com