Annual Farmapalooza brings out local farmers, food artisans

Published 8:03 pm Saturday, June 30, 2018

Rain and storms did not stop the annual Farmapalooza from going on at the Orrville Farmer’s Market on Saturday night.

Owner Judy McKinney said that with as much effort that had gone into the event, the weather would not stop the vendors from coming and setting up.

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And set up they did.

From secret salsa recipes to jars of honey, there was something for everyone at the Farmapalooza.

There was more than just food available to purchase.

Stacy Lyn Harris is a bestselling author of three books and founder of the blog Game and Garden blog.

She is a regular co-host of “The Sporting Chef” on the Sportsman’s Channel and is a co-host of “Rural Heritage” on RFD-TV.

Her three books, “Stacy Lyn’s Harvest Cookbook”, “Happy Healthy Family: Tracking the Outdoors In” and “Wild Game – Food for your Family” are all available to order at www.stacylynharris.com, and her blog can be found at www.gameandgarden.com.

Harris said she found this event from meeting McKinney and had a table set up for her books to be purchased.

Jan Justice also was at the event with her stand filled with baklava.

Justice began making the treats in the 1980s after her friend showed her how.

Justice had never advertised her baklava until she sold it at the Holiday House in downtown Selma. She put on Facebook once that she would have some there for sale, and there was no looking back after that.

Chip and Laura Spencer from Spencer Farms also were at the event.

Located in Marion Junction, Spencer Farms is a family farm that produces vegetables, meat, eggs and honey free of synthetic chemicals.

The Combs family also was at the event.

According to McKinney, last year’s Farmapalooza was an overwhelming success. Around 300 individuals attended and got a taste of a large array of foods ranging from squash casserole, yeast rolls, cinnamon rolls, barbeque, honey, cookies and much more.

“People got to put a face with the name, and get up close and personal with the amazing farmers and food artisans that we have in this area,” McKinney said. “And these people are so good at what they do and they really deserve to be recognized. It’s hard work, whether you’re a farmer or a food artisan. You put a lot of heart and passion into what you’re making or growing. We are really lucky to have them.”

McKinney said she is proud to be a part of the farmers market and Farmapalooza, and happy to integrate everyone, vendors and attendees, into a single area.

“I think it’s a fantastic event,” McKinney said. “I’m just so excited that I can hopefully be an integral part of bringing all of these people together in one location and celebrate what they do.”