OSU Extension: Make plans to celebrate local foods in Fairfield County

Connie Smith
·4 min read

OSU Extension in Fairfield County will be taking a new approach to Celebrating Local Foods Week by hosting week-long events throughout Fairfield County. We are planning a unique experience for consumers by selecting sites that will encourage them to travel to a variety of areas within the County to visit local food sources, farmers markets, wineries and much more. The celebration Event will be held the week of Aug. 7-11.

On Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. we will kick off the week by strolling through Clearcreek Country Vineyards to learn about growing techniques and grape varieties. Enjoy a complimentary cupcake from a local bakery! The tasting room will be open following the tour. Make -plans now to come out and learn more about Clearcreek Country Vineyards, 9214 Westfall Road, Amanda.

At 6 p.m. Aug. 8 join us at the Ed Sands Building at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E Fair Ave, Lancaster as we celebrate Ohio Beef at the Fairgrounds. From grilling techniques to tips on using lesser-known cuts of meat, join the OSU Beef Team for a night dedicated to local proteins. A $5 registration fee includes samples and a meat thermometer. Sponsored by The Ohio Beef Council and the Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association.

On Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. we will be visiting The Green Machine Gardens at 148 Union St, Lancaster. Visit an urban edible garden, presented by The Green Machine at Learning Never Ends. Explore how raised beds can be used to grow a bounty of produce and discover the important role this project plays in community development.

Thursday, Aug. 10, beginning at 5 p.m. (please note the time change) we are looking forward to a tour of the Combustion Brewing & Taproom, 80 W Church St, Pickerington. Be sure to make time for the Combustion Brewery Tour, one of central Ohio’s top-rated craft breweries. Visit the Pickerington Farmers Market next door and stay for a round of trivia.

Friday, Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. at Keller Market House, 134 S Columbus St, Lancaster for the Tomato Tasting Open House Stop by anytime between 1 to 3 p.m. to visit OSU Master Gardener Volunteers for our annual tomato tasting! Vote for your favorite tomato, pick up resources on food preservation and get your canner lid tested.

To register, go.osu.edu/fclocal or call 740-653-5419. For additional information view the Event Flyer. *Giveaways at each event, limited to the first 100 attendees. Attend three events and receive a free gift!

Mark your calendars now and make plans to be a part of the first week-long celebration of local foods in Fairfield County!!

Thank you to our hosts: Clearcreek Country Vineyards, Fairfield County Fairgrounds, Ohio Beef Council, Fairfield County Cattlemen, The Green Machine, Combustion Brewing & Taproom, Keller Market House.

Upcoming events

Join OSU Extension Snap Education Program staff, Diane Sommers and Kacy Funk as they gear up for the Ohio SNAP-Ed Cooking Matters Cooking classes slated for Aug. 10-Sept. 21 . Participants must be current or eligible SNAP recipients to participate. All classes will be held at the Fairfield County Ag Center located at 831 College Avenue, Lancaster. Class size is limited, and registration is required by August 1 by calling OSU Extension at 740-653-5419.

Bats: What You Didn't Learn Watching BatmanAre bats flying rodents? Do they really get stuck in your hair? What about rabies?? Learn what’s true and what’s not about Ohio’s bats at this class.Thursday, Aug. 24, 6 to 9 p.m.Location: Coyote Run Nature PreserveClass Fee: $15 (includes snacks and a packet of take-home information)Registration at woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Deadline: August 21, 2023.Contact email: brown.2766@osu.edu

Planting for Pollinators in Your Home LandscapeTuesday, Aug. 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m.Location: Fairfield County District Library, 219 N Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130Discover how to create a pollinator-friendly landscape! Join OSU Extension Educator, Carrie Brown, as we explore the basics behind using native flowering plants to attract local pollinators.This program is open to Adults, Teens, and their families.Register at: https://fcdlibrary.libnet.info/event/866726

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: OSU Extension plans new experience for Local Foods Week