2011 Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms

October 1 & 2, 2011 10 am - 4 pm n e o ! y r e v E r o f n u F f o s Acre

www.farmtour.com

Visit the website and learn more about *VIP Farm Passes* and a schedule of farm activities that everyone can enjoy. Admission and Parking to the farms is FREE.

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

Skagit Valley Festival of Family FArms Welcome...................... 3 Farm profiles............... 4 2011 Farm Map............ 8 Sponsors Thank You... 9 Festival offers........... 15

Scan with your smartphone for more Festival information!

Saturday 10-4 • Sunday 10-4 FREE Admission & FREE Parking! www.farmtour.com SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 • F: 360.424.5300 ©2011 by Skagit Publishing All rights reserved.

editorial tricia plymale

advertising operations manager Sarah Hickman: shickman@skagitpublishing.com

Advertising director Mark Dobie: mdobie@skagitpublishing.com

advertising operations Ashley Crerar, Jody Hendrix, Abby Jackson, Jenny Overman, Christina Poisal, patricia Stowell

Display Advertising Manager Deb Bundy: dbundy@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2126

design & layout Patricia Stowell

Advertising consultants Linda Fahnlander: linda@skagitpublishing.com Stephanie Harper : sharper@skagitpublishing.com Marcus McCoy : mmccoy@skagitpublishing.com Michelle O’Donnell: modonnell@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schultz: kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Katie Sundermeyer: ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon: ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com John Williams: jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com

Plant Now For Spring!

• Top size and top quality tulip, daffodil & iris bulbs grown locally on our family owned farm.

• FREE planting seminars! See how our 3+ acre display garden is designed & planted each fall with over 1/4 million bulbs!

• Great selection of garden accessories and home decor.

Quality Bu

lbs • Fresh Cut Flowe rs • Dire c

t From the Farm

We are OPEN 7 Days a Week! Online at www.tulips.com

360-424-8531 2

15867 Beaver Marsh Road • Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm and Sun/Holidays 11am-4pm

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

Skagit Publishing

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WELCOME

F

amily farms across Skagit County open their barn doors just for you to experience this free, once a year opportunity to explore and learn - down on the farm.

During the festival weekend you can participate in a very special time to honor, celebrate and share in the bounty of local agriculture and connect with the farmers that provide locally grown foods and goods. The weekend activities include farm tours, harvest markets, educational displays, demonstrations, kid’s activities, corn and hay mazes, animal exhibits, pumpkin patches, hay rides, food, music and lots of fun. It is a chance to talk to your farmers and follow your food from the field to the table. This event offers a hands-on experience learning what it takes to run a farm, from growing crops to feeding animals and supplying products to the public.

Our farmers look forward to sharing their knowledge and products with you! Bring your families, friends and children to the farm. Use the easy to follow farm map on page 8, relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you visit the farms of your choice.

We also offer the opportunity to experience the Festival as a VIP supporter. With a minimum $25.00 donation to Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms, you will receive, as a thank you gift, a VIP wristband pass to the farms. The wristband

gives you access to exclusive VIP activities, coupons or goodies during the weekend tour. Included with your VIP pass you will receive an organic 100% cotton canvas tote bag filled with Skagit goodies including discount coupons, samples and a variety of local items. The VIP bags are available at Burlington Outlet Shoppes at The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

All donations from our VIP event benefit the Festival of Family Farms in our mission to promote Skagit County Agriculture by cultivating the bond between farmers and the community through education and hospitality. For more information visit our website at: www.farmtour.com also check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ FestivalofFamilyFarms and follow @FarmTour on Twitter.com.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the abundant Skagit Valley at the peak of autumn’s harvest.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Tricia Plymale Executive Director Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms

Supporting local farming and agriculture in the Valley.

The Port of Skagit owns and operates three key facilities. They include the Skagit Regional Airport, Bayview Business Park and the La Conner Marina.

The Port of Skagit welcomes additional businesses and commerce opportunities at its three facilities and looks forward to working with our community as we move forward to achieve our mission of Jobs for Our Community.

Currently 2010, the port has 80 tenants with an estimated employment of 1000 direct jobs producing an annual payroll of $39 million.

PO Box 348 / 15400 Airport Drive / Burlington, WA 98233 / 360.757.0011 / www.portofskagit.com goskagit.com

Skagit Publishing

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 3

Farm Profiles Farm premises: 1700 acres of shellfish beds in the tidelands of Samish Bay, with a retail store and shore side picnic & BBQ area on scenic Chuckanut Drive.

FARM “A” TAYLOR SHELLFISH FARMS Address: 2182 Chuckanut Drive, Bow Miles off of I-5: About 10 Phone: 360-766-6002 Owners: The Taylor family of Shelton, WA Website: www.taylorshellfish.com Farm type: Northwest grown fresh shellfish Directions: From I-5 take exit #231.

Go northwest on Chuckanut Drive (Hwy 11) for 10 miles to the Oyster Creek Inn. From Bellingham take exit #250.

Go south on Chuckanut Drive 9.5 miles. The farm’s entrance is in the corner of the restaurant parking lot. Drive under the sign, across the bridge and down the hill.

Please use caution: one lane road and railroad crossing.

4

~FREE~ Festival activities: •Meet shellfish farmers •Educational Exhibits •Oyster shucking demonstrations •Crab races •Build a fairy house on the beach •Shannon Point Marine Center touch tank (Saturday Only) •See the world’s only lighthouse made of oyster shells •Kid’s beach Learn while touring these premises: Information provided about shellfish farming and clean water awareness. Meet shellfish farmers and see photos and educational displays by Taylor Shellfish Farms, Skagit Conservation Education Alliance (SCEA), Skagit Conservation District and Skagit Valley Backyard Habitat Team.

cooked); frozen scallops, prawns, salmon, halibut, smoked salmon & pickled herring. Cookbooks, aprons, sweatshirts and more!

Website: www.goldenglencreamery.com

Farm history: Prior to its purchase in 1991 by the Taylor family, this farm started growing oysters in 1921.

Now run by the fourth generation of the family, the Taylors began farming shellfish in southern Puget Sound in 1890.

Directions: From I-5 take exit #231 (Chuckanut Dr.), north on Chuckanut Dr. 4 mi., cross Samish River. Turn left on Field Rd, 1¼ miles, dairy on left.

AgFARMation: One adult Pacific Oyster can filter as much as 60 gallons of water per day.

VIP: $5.00 coupon off total purchase on oyster, clam and/or mussels

FARM “B” GOLDEN GLEN CREAMERY Address: 15098 Field Road, Bow Miles off of I-5: 5.5

Free samples: Steamed Manila clams or barbequed Pacific oysters.

Retail ($): Fresh Oysters (live, shucked and smoked), Manila clams, Mussels, Geoduck clams, Dungeness crab (live or

Creamery Phone: 360766-6455 Owners: Doug, Brandy, Vic & Judy Jensen

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

Farm type: Dairy with Creamery

Farm premises: 65-cow (Holstein and Guernsey) dairy farm with view of Mt. Baker, Anacortes and Lummi Island. Farmstead cheese, milk bottling, butter, retail store. ~FREE~ Festival activities: •Tractor rides and tours of the property •Farm petting zoo •Artificial cow milking “Squirty Gertie” •Meet the farmer and cheesemakers (at “learning stations” around the farm) •Antique tractors and farm equipment •Face painting •Meet the Dairy Ambassador •Treasure Hunt Free samples: Ice cream

Retail ($): Cheddars, Goudas, Mozzarella, Feta and cheese curds (a.k.a. “Squeaky Cheese”), specialty cheeses and butter.

Farm history: Vic Jensen & Sons Dairy began in 1967, moved to present location in 1978. Vic and Judy Jensen have farmed all their married life. Vic started as a milker on the farm they now own.

Son, Doug, now operates the farm, along with a custom heifer-raising business on the premises. Golden Glen Creamery started in 2004 by making artisan and farmstead cheese, and is currently operated by the family. In 2006 the Creamery began bottling milk and making butter.

AgFARMation: In 25 years, Skagit County lost 72% of its family dairy farms. Starting 2008, there were only 29 dairies left in Skagit County, 56 dairies in 2000. Milk is second only to apples as one of the largest agricultural commodities in Washington State.

VIP: 15% off total purchase

Learn while touring these premises: Farm/creamery tours, “The Search for Dairied Treasure” Skagit Publishing

FARM “C” SAKUMA BROS. FARMS, MARKET STAND and SBF PROCESSING Address: 17790 Cook Rd., Burlington Processing Plant Address: 17400 Cook Rd., Burlington Miles from I-5: 1 Market Stand Phone: 360-757-6611 Owners: Sakuma Family Website: www.sakumabros.com.

Farm type: Fruit production, nursery plants, processing plant Directions: From I-5, exit 232 (Cook Road/Sedro-Woolley). Go west one mile: Market Stand is on left, Processing Plant is .4 miles west on Cook Road (cross Chuckanut Dr., plant is on left).

Farm premises: 1,500 acres; Market Stand on 40 acres with berries,

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Farm Profiles fruit trees, vegetables and seven varieties of tea plants. ~FREE~ Market Stand festival activities (17790 Cook Rd.): •Hayrides every ½ hour about the Farm •Children’s “berry” wagon rides •Kid’s Mini Tractor Pull •Pumpkin Bowling •Greenhouse Tent •View bugs through microscope •Plant strawberries •View commercial picking machines •See fruit harvesting (weather permitting) •Knutzen Farms will

have a potato sales and informational tent. ~FREE~ Processing Plant festival activities (17400 Cook Rd.): •Tour commercial processing plant (Saturday only 2PM and 3PM) •Wet Plant & IQF Plant Learn while touring these premises: Tractor-pulled wagon hayride farm tours, learn about fruit and vegetable crops, history of Sakuma Farms.

See raspberry machines, other large farm equipment.

FA RM S&

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Food ($): Homemade strawberry shortcake, berry sundaes, pie slices and milkshakes.

Free Samples: Fresh berries, apples.

Retail ($): Market Stand features berries, apples, jams, pumpkins and vegetables, teas and gift items.

Farm history: The Sakuma family has grown strawberries in the Pacific Northwest since 1915. They moved to the Skagit Valley in 1939, and the third

Owners: The Ovenell Family

generation is currently farming, with the fourth joining in. Sakuma Bros.

Farms is now run by the Sakuma cousins, as the original Sakuma brothers have retired.

AgFARMation: Sakuma Bros. Farms is one of only two locations growing tea in the continental US, and one of the largest commercial berry farms in WA State.

VIP: A bag full of Apples

Website: www.ovenells-inn.com, www.doubleoranchllc. com

FARM ‘D’ DOUBLE O RANCH/ OVENELL’S HERITAGE INN & LOG CABINS Address: 46276 Concrete Sauk Valley Rd., Concrete Miles off of I-5: 30 Phone: 360-853-8494

Directions: From I-5 exit 232 (Cook Road) to Sedro-Woolley.

Go East on Highway 20 to Concrete. Turn right on Concrete Sauk Valley Rd. Cross the bridge and continue left for 2 miles.

Ovenell’s Heritage Inn and Double O Ranch are on your right.

T

MORE THAN A MARKET STAND we serve berries and fun!

Strawberries • Blueberries • Raspberries Blackberries • Tayberries • assorted Jams and Syrups Teas • Homebaked Goods • Produce and Vegetables Nursery Plants • Milkshakes • Smoothies • Sundaes Waffle Cone Ice Cream • Berrylicious Cake Ride the tractor-pulled wagon to our U-pick fields • Play in the sandboxes Choo choo on the Children’s Barrel Train • Have lunch in the picnic areas

Horse Tack Pet Supplies Animal Health Products Livestock Show Supplies Water Treatment Systems Fencing Materials

360-757-8004

sakumamarketstand.com 17790 Cook Rd, I-5 take Exit 232 & go west on Cook Rd. Skagit Publishing

Complete Garden Center Organics Soil / Hay Sampling Fertilizer / Chemicals Propane • Fuel Delivery & Service Purina, Nutrena and LMF Livestock Feed

Sponsor of the Skag

it County Fair!

come out and enjoy the sunshine with us

goskagit.com

Farm type: Cattle ranch, meat sales.

Oak Harbor 675.2277 Freeland 331.1970 Stanwood 629.7033

Burlington 757.4055 Mount Vernon 424.4207 Sedro Woolley 856.6567

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 5

Farm Profiles Farm premises: 580 acre cattle ranch, wildlife preserve.

Ovenell’s Heritage Inn: AAA Rated Accommodations available: Pine log cabins, antique-filled farmhouse with a view of Mt. Baker. ~FREE~ Festival activities: •Educational Displays featuring year-round ranch activities, calving and health care.

•Hayride farm tour through pastures, cattle, CREP project and timberlands.

•Children’s games.

•Equipment displays.

•”Carving a ranch from the wilds” farm history and antique equipment display.

•See ultrasound exam of live steers for carcass quality.

•Interact with Blossom the pink squirrel.

•Pet Skye & Champ the Clydesdales, and Secret and Firecracker the mini ponies.

•Visit the ducks, chickens and geese.

•Get up close and personal with Koko and Pug, our 1 ton bulls.

Learn while touring these premises: Conservation project along the river,

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calving, animal health, pasture & timber management, wildlife on the ranch and quality grades of meat.

Food ($): Cattleman’s BBQ, homemade bread and jam.

Retail ($): Beef orders, cedar candle holders with beeswax candles, jam/ bread baskets, honey.

Free Samples: Double O Ranch beef samples, homemade sweet breads, jams, honey and coffee.

Phone: 425-422-6988

Farm History: The original 713 acres were purchased by James T. Ovenell and Harold Pierson in the 1940’s. By 1960 James T. and Mary Ovenell were sole owners. In 1997 a B&B and log cabins were added. Today the farm is fourth generation.

AgFARMation: The Ovenells are a pioneer farm family who arrived in the Skagit Valley in the late 1800’s.

We are one of Skagit County’s first conservation farms.

VIP: Loaf of Harvest bread

Skagit Publishing

Owners: Ryan Costanti, Dan Costanti, Doug Spady, Ken Schueller, Jon Tellefson, Doug Brasher Website: www.challengerridge. com FARM “E” CHALLENGER RIDGE VINEYARD & CELLARS Address: 43095 Challenger Rd., Concrete Miles off of I-5: 35

Farm Type: Vineyard Directions: East on Hwy 20. Turn left at mile post 85, right on Challenger Rd.

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 6

Farm Profiles Farm Premises: 67 acre estate with tasting room, vineyards, picnic sites, camping, fishing and cascade trail. ~FREE~ Festival Activities: •Tasting room •Wine & wine gifts •Walking tours •Educational maps & details on clones of Pinot Noir •Brix reading classes •Grape stomping •Bowling on Bocce ball courts Learn while touring the premises: Learn the process of

wine making from grapes to wine.

VIP: Coupon for 15% off wine purchases

Food ($) : Avenue Catering (soups & hot dogs)

Website: www.localharvest.org

Free Samples: Wine tasting & juice

AgFARMation: Challenger Ridge is the largest Pinot Noir Vineyard in Washington State.

Phone: 360-466 3977 Owners: David Hedlin and Serena Campbell

Retail ($): Wine and wine gifts

Farm History: Farm was founded in 2000 by Louis Dailey.

Miles off of I-5: 10

FARM ‘F’ HEDLIN FAMILY FARM Address: 12275 Valley Road, Mount Vernon Farmstand: Corner of Chilberg Rd. and LaConner-Whitney Rd.

Farm type: 400 acres farmed under conventional management and certified organic production including: Fresh Market: Heirloom tomatoes, mixed fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, and flowers are produced for sale

through their farm stand, farmers markets, CSA subscription and to local restaurants. Commerical crops: Wheat, pickling cucumbers, peas, beet, spinach, and cabbage seed. Organic: Sauerkraut cabbage, barley, and field corn.

Directions: From the North on I-5: Exit 230, west on Hwy. 20. Left on La ConnerWhitney Rd., travel 4 mi.

Farm is at east entrance to La Conner.

From the South on I-5: Exit 221 (Conway), follow signs to La Conner, about 8 mi. Farm is at

east entrance to La Conner.

Farm premises: 25-acre market garden, farm stand, 45-acre organic field and farmstead featuring original 1913 home built by Rasmus and Pothea Koudal, barns and greenhouses including original 1946 greenhouse built by Elizabeth Hedlin. ~FREE~ Festival activities: •Pony rides •Vegetable art, Veggie Racing •Hay rides •Greenhouse and farm

Natural Handcrafted Cheese Produced by the Jensen Ladies

Farmstead Cheeses & Butter!

All Natural, Local & Great Tasting!

LL C , y Sa r mish River Dai

Visit our On-Farm Store or find our delicious products at many fine stores around Western Washington.

Ask for us at a grocer near you.

Hand-made, all-natural dairy goodness since 2004.

15098 Field Rd., Bow www.GoldenGlenCreamery.com • 360.766.MILK goskagit.com

(6455) Skagit Publishing

Meet the Farmer Hay Rides Petting Zoo Needle in the Haystack

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 7

FARM MAP

A

Key

#

Farm

236 Exit

E L

B

M N

C

K D

Be Safe on the Farm • Please wash hands after touching animals. Free hand-washing stations are available at each farm.

• No smoking, please.

• These are working farms. Please use good judgment and safe practices during your visit.

• This is an outdoor event, please dress for the weather, for comfort and for fun.

I G

H

F

A. Taylor Shellfish Farms 2182 Chuckanut Drive Shellfish Farm & Retail Store B. Golden Glen Creamery & Jensen Family Dairy and Creamery 15098 Field Road Dairy & Handcrafted Cheeses C. Sakuma Bros. Farms, Market Stand & SBF Processing 17790 Cook Road Berries, Vegetables, Pumpkins, Flowers & Market Stand D. Double O Ranch/ Ovenell’s Heritage Inn & Log Cabins 46276 Concrete Sauk Valley Road Maine Anjou cattle, grain fed beef E. Challenger Ridge 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete Winery & Vineyard 8

* Map not to scale

J

© Skagit Publishing Map reprinted with permission by Skagit Publishing

F. Hedlin Family Farm 12275 Valley Road Fruits, Vegetables, Vegetable Seed, Flowers & Greenhouse G. La Conner Flats 15920 Best Road Garden, Nursery Stock, Berries, Potatoes, Seed Crops, Rose & Vegetable Trials H. Gordon Skagit Farms 15598 McLean Road Heirloom Pumpkins & Gourds, Apples, Squash & Ornamental Corn I. Schuh Farms 15565 State Route 536 Berries, Vegetables, Pumpkins & Squash

K. Cascadian Farm 55931 State Route 20 Organic Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch L. Countrytime Alpacas 5168 State Route 9, Sedro-Woolley Alpacas M. Hemlock Highlands Ranch 8110 Sims Road Highland Cattle Beef & Breeding N. Perkins Apple Orchard/ Eagle Haven Winery 8243 Sims Road Apple Orchard, Winery, Retail Store, Honey & Vineyard

J. South Fork Farms 19115 Dike Road Alpaca Breeding, Sales & Agistment services

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

Skagit Publishing

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Special thanks to supporters of the 2011 Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms!

Festival Founders: major sponsors:

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

Circle of Friends Donors: Platinum Plus Tractor Sponsor $25,000 Skagit County Platinum Tractor Sponsor $5,000 Port of Skagit Silver Tractor Sponsor $2,000 General Mills $1,000 WA State Potato Commission $500 Puget Sound Energy Skagit State Bank $300 Northwest Farm Credit

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$250 Erickson Farms Fisher & Sons Pat Rimmer Tire CenterSedro Woolley Saltchuk Resources Skagit Couty Farm Bureau WA Red Raspberry Commission $150 Linda Becker Ron & Jan Wesen $100 Christianson Nursery D&D Seed Co., Inc. Dahl’s Valley Electric Inc Puget Sound Veterinary Group Reisner Distributor Company Skagit Farmers Supply Seven Sisters Rexville Grocery Valley Freightliner WA State Dairy Federation Stowes Shoes and Clothing Wilbur Ellis Co.

Skagit Publishing

Goods and Services Skagit Publishing MC Photographics Western Washington Agricultural Association WSU Skagit County Extension KAPS Radio KBRC Radio Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland The Outlet Shoppes at Burlington Board of Directors President: Jennifer Schuh Vice President: Tami Sakuma Treasurer: Jean Bates Secretary: Lesa Berdoy Board Members: Konnie McCutchin, Kristen Hinton, Cindy Kleinhuisen, Don McMoran Executive Director: Tricia Plymale

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 9

Farm Profiles tours •Live Music •Meet Farmer Dave Free Samples: Farm fresh pickles and sauerkraut Learn while touring these premises: Tour farm and greenhouses, learn about tomato, pepper and basil production, conservation practices and wildlife habitat protection.

Food ($): Fresh picked organic corn-on-the-cob, bratwurst with local sauerkraut, and Italian sausage with our own farm fresh peppers and onions, hot spiced cider, cocoa.

Retail ($): Corn, heirloom tomatoes, basil, sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, beets, chard, lettuce, spinach, green beans, onions, shallots, pumpkins, squash, flowers, and local pickles, sauerkraut, relish, milk and cheese.

Farm history: Founded in the early 1900s by grandparents Rasmus and Pothea Koudal, Hedlin Family Farms is currently in its third generation.

AgFARMation: If you eat sauerkraut in Germany, coleslaw in 10

New York, or kimchee in Korea there is a good chance that the seed that produced that crop was grown in the Skagit Valley.

VIP: A vegetable sample with Hedlin’s farm fresh vegetables.

FARM ‘G’ LA CONNER FLATS Address: 15978 Best Road, Mount Vernon Miles off of I-5: 9 Phone: 360-466-3190 Owners: Bob and Margie Hart Website: www.laconnerflats.com Farm type: A diversified family farm of 230 acres specializing in fresh produce and nursery stock. Potatoes, berries, seed crops, cereals, herbs and cut flowers are also grown.

The 11-acre display

garden, a popular rental for summer weddings, includes our fresh market farmstand, pasture for livestock and features plants for Northwest Washington and vegetable trials, flowers, roses and cultural methods for success in Skagit Valley.

Directions: Heading North on I-5: Take exit 221 at Conway, cross over freeway, turn right onto Fir Island Road, which becomes Best Road. Travel 9.5 miles from I-5. We are on the left.

Heading South on I-5: Take exit 230 at Burlington, Head west on Highway 20 for 6 miles, Turn Left on Best Road, travel 2 miles, we are on the right.

Farm premises: The family home was built in 1914 by Bob’s great grandparents. The granary was built at the same time; it now houses a kitchen and food service amenities for weddings, parties and meetings. The new retail produce shed is immediately accessible from the parking lot. We sell our own produce and fresh eggs as well as local non-produce products from our neighbors; including Pleasant Valley Farms, Bruce Bowen’s Honey, Dona Flora, & Barb’s Beans .

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

~FREE~ Festival activities: Guided walking tours of produce gardens & vegetable trials Self guided tours of display gardens Cider making and samples Children’s pumpkin decorating Children’s Make-aGarden 4-H displays and discussions Lots of covered areas, in case of rain Free Samples: Cider Learn while touring these premises: Learn about varieties of vegetables, and cultural methods that work here.

See many landscaping ideas and plants.

Learn culinary herbs that grow well and how to use them. Talk with the owners about farming in the Skagit Valley and it’s future.

Retail ($): Seasonal Local Produce all grown on the premises, Pleasant Valley Farms Pickles & Sauerkraut, Barb’s Beans Espresso, Bruce Bowen’s Honey, Dona Flora flowers and products

Farm History: Isaac and Margaret Jennings arrived in the area in 1869, purchasing this farm in 1884. The first crops were oats, hay and potatoes. Over the decades the farm has produced horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, grain crops, peas, carrots, potatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, seed crops (cabbage, clover, mustard and spinach), hay, nursery stock (for landscaping), and agri-tourism. We place a high priority on crop rotations, sustainability, and continued investment so that the 6th, 7th & 8th generations will have the same opportunity.

AgFARMation: The site of the garden was the first site in Skagit Valley to produce vegetables, which George Calhoun produced and shipped to Seattle by boat.

VIP: 10% Off at Farmstand

Miles off of I-5: 4 Phone: Retail: 360-424-7262 Owners: Todd and Eddie Gordon Website: www.gordonskagitfarms. com Farm type: Wholesale growers/sellers: pumpkins, Jonagold apples; spinach seed, grass seed, arugula seed, peas and squash. Resale growers: Pumpkins, squash, apples, gourds, ornamental corn.

Directions: From I-5 take Kincaid Exit. West on Kincaid, right onto S. 3rd St., stay in center lane.

Straight through light at 1st St., over Skagit River Bridge. Left at first stop light onto Wall St. - curves right, becomes McLean Road. Drive 3 miles, farm is on left.

Food ($): Baked Potato Bar, Local Beef on the Grill, Espresso Skagit Publishing

FARM ‘H’ GORDON SKAGIT FARMS Address: 15598 McLean Road, Mount Vernon

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Farm Profiles Farm premises: Gordon Skagit farm stand, fields, view of Mt. Baker. ~Pay~ Festival Activities: •U-pick pumpkins, apples - $ ~FREE~ Festival Activities: •Corn maze •Haunted room •Autumn scenery paintings •European willow basket making demonstrations

by Katherine Lewis •Demonstrations of practical and ornamental steel forging techniques

by Adair Orr •Honey Bee education booth by Bruce Bowen Bee’s •Local seasonal floral wreaths and arrangements by Gordon Skagit Farms •Pumpkin Contests Saturday, October 2.

Drop off pumpkins 9am - noon, weigh-in at noon.

Prizes for biggest and smallest.

•” Squash 101/ Apples

101 “ : the nutritional value of squash ,pumpkins and apples , basic cooking information, quick and healthy recipes.

•Tasty bites, culinary food samples from the Netherlands and India created by Nell Thorn Restaurant and Pub Learn while touring these premises: History of pumpkins/ Halloween.

Farm history: Gordon Skagit Farms was founded in 1936 by Ed and Amelia Gordon; son, Ed and wife, Betty, took over operations in 1955. In 1969 Todd and Eddie began growing pumpkins - in the 1980s they started running the farm. Now they grow 60+ acres of pumpkins with wholesale customers from Alaska to Seattle, and retail customers worldwide.

Bridge, road becomes State Route 536. Drive 3 miles, farm is on right and left hand side.

Ample parking on south side of State Route 536.

FARM ‘I’ SCHUH FARMS Address: 15565 State Rte. 536, Mount Vernon Miles off of I-5: 5

Food ($): Hot apple cider and baked goods, provided by the LaConner Culinary Arts program, Georgia Johnson, director.

AgFARMation: Beets or turnips were used to carve jack-olanterns until the late 1800’s, when pumpkins were used.

Phone: 360-424-6982

Free Samples: Apples

VIP: VIP raffle with 12 chances to win!

Farm type: Berry/seasonal produce with roadside stands. Upick and we-pick.

Retail ($): Heirloom pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, apples. Handmade willow baskets, U-pick apples and pumpkins

Farm premises: 300-acre farm, 5-acre homestead with 100+ year old home, barn and hen house. Our “Great Pumpkin Patch” located on the south side of State Route 536.

Owners: Steve, Susan & Jen Schuh

Directions: From I-5 exit 226 (Kincaid St.) go west.

Turn right onto S. 3rd St., stay in center lane.

Straight through light at 1st St., over Skagit River

~FREE~ Festival activities: 5-Acre Homestead •Yellow Brick Road and playground •Picnic area •Music •Costumed Characters The Great Pumpkin Patch: •Antique tractor educational hayrides with farmer Steve – participants receive free ear of corn-on-the-cob •See summer u-pick area •Walk down the Gravenstein apple path. These mature trees are from the Cedardale Orchard

•Squash talk every ½ hour •Picnic Area ~PAY~ Festival activities: 5-Acre Homestead •Barrel Train ride - $ •U-pick pumpkins - $ •Hen house with chickens and Three Little Pigs -$ •Pumpkin balloon playground - $ •Face painting The Great Pumpkin Patch: •Corn Maze - $ •Recycle Junktion & Mole Hill Mountain-$ •The great pumpkin patch – search for the largest pumpkin - $

Learn while touring these premises: Meet Farmer Steve and let him educate you on farming with the Schuh’s. Find out how he now sells everything he grows himself. Participants receive a free, hot corn-on-the-cob! Head to the animal areas and meet the FFA students to inform you on the local farm animals.

Tour the farms on two wheels with Skagit Bicycle Club Join us for a visit to several Skagit Valley farms by bicycle during the Festival of Family Farms. There are 15, 22 and 33-mile routes in Skagit Valley, where the terrain is flat and the traffic is low!

Maps are provided, and routes are led by experienced local bicyclists. For more information, visit www.farmtour.com and hit the farm pedal bicycle tour. goskagit.com

Skagit Publishing

11321 Blue Heron Road • Samish Island, Bow, Washington 98232 • (360) 766-6171

Open 8am - 5pm Mon. - Sat. Closed Sundays & Holidays Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 11

Farm Profiles Food ($): Hot roasted corn on the cob, chili, ice cream, espresso, hot apple cider, fresh pies.

VIP: 10% OFF shopping pass

Free Samples: Seasonal vegetables, fruit and beverages.

Retail ($): Retail barn featuring fresh produce, flowers, seasonal pies, jams, syrups, gourmet foods and local pickles. Artisan cheeses, and butter.

Fresh cider. Gourds, pumpkins, cornstalks, and fall plants. Great fall and Halloween merchandise.

Farm history: In 1963 the farm grew only green peas for 3 local processors. With the exodus of processors from the Skagit Valley we have become a fresh market farm. The Great Pumpkin Patch history was a small dairy farm homesteaded by the Hansen Family.

It was held in this family for 4 generations. For the last 15 years it has been farmed by the Schuh Family and is now owned by the Schuh’s. This is our “Great Pumpkin Patch” to grow for generations to enjoy.

AgFARMation: In 1998, Skagit Valley farms produced 15,034 acres of peas for processing; in 2001 that was reduced to 5,307 acres.

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FARM “J” SOUTH FORK FARMS Address: 19115 Dike Road, Mount Vernon

farm is on the right.

From the North: Take Exit 225 for Anderson Rd. Turn right on to Anderson Rd. and go .1 miles.

Turn left on to Old Hwy 99 South Rd. and go 1 mile.

Turn right on to Hickox Rd. and go over the railroad track for .9 miles to Dike Rd. Turn left onto Dike Rd. and drive 1 mile. The farm is on the left just past Stackpole Rd.

Miles off of I-5: 5 Owner: Gary & Ruth Wiegand Phone: 360-445-3520 V/FAX, 360-840-3666 cell Website: www.alpacasofsouthforkfarms.com Farm Type: alpaca breeding, sales, and agistment (boarding) services Directions (off of I-5) From the South: Take Exit 221 for Conway/Hwy 534 E./Lake McMurray.

Turn left and cross over I-5 for .2 miles.

Turn right on to Fir Island Rd. and go over the railroad tracks for .3 miles.

Turn right onto Dike Rd. and drive 2 miles. The

Farm premises: We are a small alpaca farm surrounded by 70+ acres of beautiful Skagit Valley cropland near Conway. Alpacas are raised for their high quality fiber which is used for spinners, weavers, and crafters alike. ~FREE~ Festival Activities: •Self guided walking tour •Education stations •Halter training demonstrations •Informational signage •Alpaca petting area •Spinning demonstrations •Kids play area for wee ones •Kids quiz •Kids coloring and alpaca fiber art •Festival’s largest chalkboard •Paca poo if you bring your own bucket

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

Retail ($): Yarn and yarn products, Readymade alpaca fertilizer, Felted items and clothing, Raw alpaca fiber, Cat balls, Stuffed animals, Barn wood, Soap

rental unit.

•Snow geese and swans come right up the edge of the alpaca pastures.

•On a clear day in the late Spring, Summer, and early Fall, the parachuter’s will be jumping.

Food ($): Mexican food cart will provide lunch items

VIP: 20% off retail purchase or personalized walk through the alpaca pastures. VIP is welcome to invite 3 guests on tour.

Samples: Beverages, snacks Farm history: A third generation family owned farm since the 1800s doing crop and cattle farming, the present generation has altered its focus to raising championship huacayan alpacas. South Fork Farms bought its first alpacas in 2004 and quickly grew from 3 to 5 acres over a period of 4 years. The farm began breeding and agistment (boarding) services in 2006 and now has a 40+ herd.

AgFARMation: •Eagles often roost in the black walnut trees that shade a few of the pastures.

•Because we are a small hands on farm, we train most alpacas to eat out of our hands.

•The farm home was built in 1905. The original “bunk” house for the hired help was remodeled in the 1970s for a Skagit Publishing

FARM ‘K’ CASCADIAN FARM Address: 55931 State Route 20, Rockport Miles off of I-5: 40 Phone: 360-853-8173 Managers: Jim Meyer Website: www.cfarm.com Farm type: Organic berry farm, pumpkin patch and roadside stand Directions: From I-5, exit 230, go 40 miles east on Hwy. goskagit.com

20. Just past milepost 100 (3 mi. east of Rockport) watch for Cascadian Farm’s Roadside Stand.

Farm premises: 27 acre organic farm in North Cascades foothills, roadside stand with organic berries, homemade ice cream, more. ~FREE~ Festival activities: •Hayride tour •Pumpkin decorating •Self-guided walking tours •Blueberry educational talks ~PAY~ Festival activities: •Scarecrow making - $ •U-pick pumpkin patch -$ Learn while touring these premises: Organic farming, live compost demonstration.

Food ($): Organic homemade ice cream, espresso, hot cider, soup, sandwiches, salads and more.

Retail ($): Organic pumpkins, jams, frozen berries and more.

Farm History: The farm has used organic methods since its founding in 1972. Much of the forest and riverbank around the farm

Farm Profiles Directions: From I-5 take exit 232, go east on Cook Rd. to Sedro-Woolley. At the traffic light, turn left onto Hwy. 20. At next light, turn left onto Hwy. 9. Go north on Hwy. 9 approx. 4 miles.

is in the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Natural Area, home to hundreds of eagles in winter. In 2006 managers Jim and Harlyn Meyer won the Washington Tilth ‘Farmer of the Year’ award.

AgFARMation: Cascadian Farms’ main crop is blueberries. The berry’s superior nutritional value and taste is enjoyed fresh in summer and frozen all year.

In autumn, the bush’s leaves are one of the few in the Northwest to turn bright red.

VIP: Pumpkin of your choice

FARM ‘L’ COUNTRYTIME ALPACAS Address: 5168 State Route 9, Sedro-Woolley Miles off of I-5: 10 Owners: Lesa & Brad Berdoy (CountryTime Alpacas) Phone: 360-854-9498 Website: www.countrytimealpacas.com Farm type: Alpaca sales, breeding, farm store and fiber studio

Farm premises: 5-acre family-run farm with 40+ alpacas including babies, fiber studio and farm store featuring alpaca products including handcrafted items. ~FREE~ Festival activities: •Self-guided educational walking tour •See alpacas up close •Photo opportunities with alpacas including the babies •Face painting •Scavenger hunt •Kid’s craft •Fiber processing demonstrations •Learn from experts about alpaca business and lifestyle

Learn while touring these premises: Established breeders share information about alpacas and raising a small herd.

Learn how alpaca fiber grown by our alpacas is processed into yarn and other products in our fiber studio.

Retail ($): Alpaca products including blankets, clothing, teddy bears, and yarns.

Hand crafted items including hand-spun yarns, roving for spinners, felted items and more.

Farm History: CountryTime Alpacas has been breeding show quality alpacas since 1998 and is home to over 40 alpacas. We are a family-run farm specializing in personal service and education and have helped start many families in their alpaca adventures. Lesa Berdoy has 12 years experience spinning award-winning handspun yarns and also creates a collection of handcrafted products in our fiber studio with the fiber grown by our alpacas every year.

AgFARMation: Alpacas are an ecofriendly livestock and produce one of the world’s finest and most luxurious natural fibers.

Alpacas provide an enjoyable lifestyle as well as financial rewards and many families are discovering the benefits of alpacas.

VIP: $5.00 off coupon of $25.00 or more purchase at the farm store.

Highest Quality • Local Shrimp

Dungeness Crab • Fresh Fish • Clams • Mussels • Oysters for Every Taste Shrimp • Scallops • Smoked Fish DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS WITH LOCAL SEAFOOD! Homemade Chowder • Halibut & Prawn Tacos Everyday Oyster Burgers • Dungeness Crab Sandwich

360.707.2722

18042 Hwy 20 | Burlington | www.SkagitOwnsFishMarket.com goskagit.com

Skagit Publishing

y Valle t i g a Sk Tour Farm Sun Sat & & 2 Oct 1 Tours! de Hayri Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 13

Farm Profiles

FARM ‘M’ HEMLOCK HIGHLANDS RANCH Address: 8110 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley Miles off of I-5: 8 Phone: 360-856-5817 Owners: John and Jean Bates Website: www.hemlockhighlands.net Farm type: Highland cattle beef/ breeding farm Directions: From I-5, exit 232 (Cook Road/Sedro-Woolley). Go east on Cook Rd. approximately 4 miles. Turn left onto Hwy. 20, proceed approximately 4 miles to Sims Road, which Y’s to the right. Hemlock Highlands is the first building on right.

Farm premises: 45-acre beef cattle operation, views of Skagit Valley and N. Cascade Mountains.

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~FREE~ Festival activities: •Guided hayride through Highland cattle pastures, neighboring Perkins Apple Orchard and Eagle Haven Winery •Petting pen with baby Highland calves •Scottish Fiddler Valorie Newson performs Saturday (noon-3p.m.)

•Bagpipers perform on Sunday(noon-3p.m.)

•Self-guided educational walk •Kids coloring contests •Kid’s Highland art activities •Scavanger Hunt

as how a cattle farm operates.

~PAY~ Festival activities: •Pony rides - $ (Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 3:00pm) • Lunch by EEEEEEK’s BBQ, available Saturday and Sunday ($)

AgFARMation: Both the Highland Bulls and Cows are born with horns, which will grow longer and thicker their entire life’s.

Food ($): Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, fresh baked goods

Farm History: Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades in beautiful Skagit Valley, Hemlock Highlands’ family farm has been raising registered Scottish Highland cattle for beef and breeding stock since the early 90’s, with many grand and reserve champions in our line. Our family has loved and understood the value of Scottish Highland cattle for five generations.

VIP: $10.00 off coupon on Highland beef order and a VIP raffle.

Free samples: Highland beef and sausage (Saturday & Sunday 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.)

Retail ($): Highland beef, Highland arts and crafts Learn while touring these premises: What it entails to run a Highland cattle ranch.

Facts about Highlands and their history, as well

FARM “N” EAGLE HAVEN WINERY/PERKINS APPLE ORCHARD Address: 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley

Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011

Miles off of I-5: 8 Phone: (360) 856-6986 Winery Phone: (360) 856-6248 Owners: Jim, Tom & Sue Perkins Website: EagleHavenWinery.com Farm type: Apple orchard, winery & vineyard.

Directions: On I-5 take exit #232 , go east on Cook Rd. approx 5 miles to HWY 20 intersection turn left on HWY 20 approx. 5 miles to Sims Rd, turn right on Sims Rd, farm is on the left.

Farm Premises: 40 acre orchard with 40 varieties of apples along with 5 acres of lush vineyards and view of the north cascades all around. The winery features an old world Tasting Room and scenic wine garden with seating and picnic tables. ~FREE~ Festival Activities: •Hayride •Meet the Farmer sessions •guided tour with information on vineyard care and apple trees in the northwest Skagit Publishing

Free Samples: Apples, Pears, Cider and Wine Learn while touring these premises: The care and techniques of apple production, as well as wine making and vineyard tours Retail ($): Many varieties of apples, pears, apple cider, honey, jelly and jams.

Seven varieties of grape wines four of fruit wines and winery merchandise.

Food ($): Caramel apples, hot chocolate, baked goods Farm History: The Perkin’s family planted the first orchard in 1972. Then, following their interest, they planted the vineyard in 2000 and opened the doors to their one-ofa-kind Winery, tasting room and their awardwinning wines.

AgFARMation: Perkins Apple Orchard is one of the first established orchards in Western Washington and has the most varieties to try & buy. The farm has 18,000 apple trees with 40 varieties.

VIP: Choice of caramel apple, Eagle Haven wine glass or ½ gallon of apple cider. goskagit.com

Together we can help support Skagit County Agriculture Participate in a growing educational tradition and gain recognition as a supporter of local farms and locally grown food. The Festival of Family Farms provides residents of Skagit County and the greater Puget Sound area the unique opportunity to experience our local food and farm economy firsthand by meeting farmers and discovering farm fresh products. It is the most comprehensive farm tour in the county, featuring up to 14 farms paired with tasting, kids activities, animal petting and other educational events.

BECOME A SUPPORTER! Visit our website: www.farmtour.com

Festival offers Visitors to the Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms enjoy a two-day event that features everything from sampling mouthwatering apples to hayrides around the fields. The event highlights local farms and their wares, ranging from fruits and vegetables to animals.

Some of the area’s farms have been in family hands for a century or more. This is the Festival’s 13th year.

Last year’s event offered free samples and music. “It’s a great time, and usually we’ll see between 800 and 1,000 visitors in a weekend,” John Bates, an owner of Hemlock Highlands Ranch east of Sedro-Woolley said during last year’s event.

For more festival information, visit www.farmtour.com.

Valerie Newsom of Anacortes, a member of the Northwest Scottish Fiddlers, plays at Hemlock Highlands Ranch off Sims Road during the 2010 Festival of Family Farms. Behind Newsom are some of the Scottish Highland beef cattle raised at the ranch. Photo by Scott Terrell.

Celebrate Country at

Farmer Steve Schuh takes visitors for a wagon hayride around his fields during the Festival of Family Farms in 2010. Photo by Scott Terrell.

FRESH SHELLFISH OYSTERS TO BBQ

CLAMS • MUSSELS • CRAB GEODUCK • SCALLOPS Thank you for helping

2182 Chuckanut Drive • Bow

Keep Samish Bay Clean

Shipping Available!

www.taylorshellfish.com

OPEN 7 DAYS • 9 AM-5 PM PICNIC & BBQ AREA

5-lb Apple Pie Apple Cider Donuts

Fabulous Lunches & Pastries

360.766.6360

Fresh Cider/ Hard Cider Fresh Apples in Fall Custom Gift Baskets

8933 Farm to Market Rd., Bow, WA • 3 miles south of Edison

360.766.6002

goskagit.com

Garden Bakery Gift & Wine Shop

Skagit Publishing

Open Wed-Sat 9-4 • www.rosabellasgarden.com Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms | September 2011 15