Open for Free Tours, Activities & More! Daylong celebration of local agriculture in Onondaga County
Syracuse, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced the return of ON Farm Fest with an exciting day planned at 9 local farms in Onondaga County. Today, September 18th , from 10am-3pm, the public is invited to visit a wide variety of agricultural operations: from a large dairy farm to an urban farm, an orchard to a pumpkin patch. The event is free and includes a fun-filled day for all ages with guided tours, live music at many farms, giveaways, kid’s activities, demos, food for purchase, and more. To view details and directions for each farm, visit www.onfarmfest.com or follow Onondaga Grown on Facebook and Twitter. Check out Onondaga Grown You Tube
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Agriculture and Agritourism are critical to our local economy. ON Farm Fest is unique in that the focus is on nurturing connections between farms and the public. Our goal is to bring people as close as possible to the thriving agricultural industry right here in Onondaga County.” McMahon continued, “We hope to foster appreciation, respect, and curiosity about farms in our own backyard. After all, there are over 600 farms in our county – so the importance of farming to our community is immense.”
ON Farm Fest consistently draws thousands of visitors. On surveys filled out by attendees, the event has received 96% positive feedback and an “A” rating. Visitors often remark that they learned something new or deepened their appreciation for farmers and producers.
“We want to thank the 9 farms, their families, the volunteers, along with the members of the Onondaga County Agriculture Council for making this 5th annual event possible. This is a labor of love for these 9 farms, who truly want to educate the community on what is involved in running an agricultural operation,” said David Knapp, Onondaga County Legislature Chairman and Agriculture Council Co-Chair. “We hope that the public comes out and takes advantage of this rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at these farms.”
“ON Farm Fest is such an important event! As a retired dairy farmer and lifelong promoter of agriculture, I am proud to help organize and draw attention to this special day. Each farm has prepared a very exciting day with many interactive activities. Definitely make time for ON Farm Fest on September 18th,” said Agriculture Council Co-Chair Harvey Skeele. “So tell your neighbors and check out the variety of farms we have in our County!
” For more information on planning your ON Farm Fest day, please visit www.onfarmfest.com.
