| 4/29/2009 11:10:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | 'Rock the Earth' on Saturday
Farm-fresh food, local artisans, organic gardening, green business solutions and natural resources.
Celebrate these and other community treasures at the second annual Fort Atkinson Rock the Earth event, kicking off the spring season on Saturday, May 2.
The event, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is co-sponsored by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Heart of the City with generous support from The VyMaC Corp., Madison Area Technical College-Fort Atkinson, the Jefferson Area Business Center, Sustain Jefferson, and Town and Country.
VyMaC will host the market on the second floor of its recently renovated Creamery Building at 201 N. Main St. (on the corner of Main Street and state Highway 106). Visitors should enter through the rear entrance near the bike path.
In the spirit of the day, attendees are considered biking or walking to this family-friendly event. Otherwise, parking will be available at the municipal parking lot, Vos Sentry Foods parking lot and VyMac's corner lot.
Rock the Earth will provide many opportunities to incorporate an Earth-friendly lifestyle, as well as educate oneself on how to make a difference in the community.
What is a "Gasifier"? Greg David, Sustain Jefferson, will be on hand to demonstrate this Earth-friendly device.
Many others will be giving demonstrations about rain barrels, vermiculture, stormwater runoff and alternative transportation options. Parents can get information about green baby products, low VOC paint for their home, cycling commuter routes, green tax incentives and home energy audits.
Gardeners will have their hands full with plenty of information on native plants, how to eradicate invasive species, organic fertilizer and seedlings.
For children, there will be plenty of hands-on activities such as painting recycling barrels, facepainting, "make-your-own" ceramics and earth games.
Heart of the City also will be asking participants to be interviewed for a film on the " Low Carbon Atkinson Diet."
The first 100 people to arrive at the event will receive a tree sapling. CFL lightbulbs also will be distributed, and more than $500 in raffle prizes given away.
Favorite vendors from the summer will be there, as well as local artists and artisans.
"I've been trying out new recipes for biscotti and breads that I can't wait to share with my local customers," said baker Sheril Raymond.
The first spring vegetables will be on hand, including lettuces and sprouts. Farmers will be selling everything people will need for their first backyard parties.
Proprietors of local CSA (Community Sustainable Agriculture) farms will be on hand so that you can sign up for monthly produce shares.
Featured vendors will include Roots Down Farm, Local Roots, High Meadow Farm, Georges' Farm, Brattsett Farms, Morningside Farms, Family Farm Defenders, Café Carpe, South Padre Seafood, Sheril's Breads, First Methodist Church, St. Mary's Catholic Church of Sullivan, Barb and Friends, Tom Thurin, Rushing Waters, and Doug and Jvette Jenks.
Local vendors also will have seed plants, flowers and trees to start one's garden. Items include:
• Fresh-baked baguettes and whole wheat breads.
• Farm fresh eggs and goat cheese.
• Cookies, donuts and pies.
• Honey and jam, and mustard.
• Lettuce, sprouts and veggies.
• Locally raised beef, chicken and pork.
• Fish and seafood.
• Wisconsin cheese and cheese curds.
• Potted plants, seed plants and trees.
• Rain barrels and compost bins.
• Cranberries, craisins and relish.
• Syrup and pancake mix.
Fort Atkinson and Jefferson County are host to numerous businesses, organizations and community groups making a real difference in sustainable development.
"I am an avid home organic gardener and can my own salsa, tomato sauce and dry my own herbs which I use in the many cups of tea I drink a day," said Patty, of Patty's Plants in Milton. "I love to give help and advice to my fellow plant enthusiasts or to someone who just wants to grow one simple plant."
Other folks sharing information will be: Grading Spaces, Local Landkeepers, Jefferson County Bike Club, Oskri Organics, VyMaC Corporation, Jefferson Area Business Center, Rock River Coalition, Jefferson County Master Gardeners, Hearty Gardens, Bungalow Pros, Racer Placers, Drumlin Area Land Trust, Mush Ko Se Day Park, Puerto Cabezas Partners, Heart of the City, Sustain Jefferson, Barrie Elementary School, and Town and Country R, C & D.
Local artists also will be showing a wide variety of jewelry, ceramics, birdhouses, woodworking and painting. Children and parents will enjoy demonstrations in woodworking and ceramics.
Local musicians will be singing their favorites throughout the day. The line-up includes: Jeff Mason and The Lichen Brothers from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.; Amy Curl and Dan Kennedy, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; and surprise guest, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Augie Lehmann will be on hand to share the sounds of his many harmonicas and the Café Carpe will be providing the sound system for the day.
Local restaurants will be providing some spring sensations for the whole family. Beverages and food will be available from Velvet Lips, Ken and Betty's, Los Portales, Pizza Villa, and Beauty and the Bean and the Coffee Pirate.
Seating and tables will be provided, or attendees may take a stroll over to the bike path and enjoy a picnic outside. Most of the food will be served on compostable plates and cups.
"This is truly a hometown celebration of wonderful local food, artisans, businesses and organizations that are making a real difference in our community for the long haul," said chamber tourism manager Kristin Wallace. "We're honored to have so many people participate in the Rock the Earth event, and sharing sustainable living resources to citizens and businesses. Rain or shine, it'll be a great day to stop on by for these free activities and educational information."
Raffle tickets are available at the Café Carpe or on the day of the event until noon, when the prize winners will be chosen.
For more information on Rock the Earth or any of the activities Saturday, call (920) 653-3210 or surf the Internet to www.fortfarmersmarket.com.
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