Growing Local Fest – today! 6.16.11

Growing Local Fest – A Celebration of All Things Local

• When: Thursday, June 16 from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Where: The Green in South Royalton
• What:

Keynote speaker
Tim Stevenson, Post Oil Solutions – 6:30 PM
Post Oil Solutions is a seven-year old resource center in southeastern Vermont that recently won the 2010 Vermont Sustainable Agriculture award. Tim Stevenson founded Post Oil Solutions and has led it from its beginnings. A dynamic and insightful presenter, he will speak on the challenges of – and the key elements to — creating a thriving community-based food system in a post-oil future.

Music

Late for Supper – 3:00-6:00 PM

The much-loved roving musicians of the old Freight House jams will provide music during the afternoon, led by Randy Leavitt and John McHugh. Don’t be surprised if other musicians start strolling the grounds.

The band, Haywire – 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Haywire blends a fun and unconventional sound that include old time traditional, bluegrass and folk.  Residents of the Tunbridge and Chelsea, it is safe to say, the band plays music befitting their beautiful home in the Green Mountains. The line up includes: Andy Mueller on fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Dan “Rudi” Ruddell on guitar, harmonica, vocals and assorted percussion; Peter O’Connor on mandolin and vocals; Adam Smith holding down guitar, banjo and vocal duties; and Eric Graham on bass and vocals.

Workshops

Composting for Home & Community – 3:00 PM

Highfields Center for Composting

Composting is no longer an activity for just gardeners. Solid waste reduction, global warming, soil fertility, and food security concern us all.  Come learn about the benefits of Highfields’ ‘Close the Loop’ community composting programs and how you can get involved in closing the loop in your school or community.

Energy Efficiency & Green Incentives – 3:00 PM

Bob Murphy of Efficiency Vermont

This workshop will cover residential do-it-yourself efficiency projects that will save you money by reducing your energy costs – and help save the environment. Efficiency Vermont is Vermont’s energy efficiency utility. No tools or experience needed; all are encouraged to attend!

The Joy of Keeping Chickens – 3:00 PM

Jenn Megyesi of Fat Rooster Farm

Join Royalton’s own Jenn Megyesi from Fat Rooster Farm for her talk on what it takes to keep a backyard flock.

So You Think You Want Solar – 4:30 PM

Dan Kinney of Catamount Solar

What you should expect from a solar contractor and understanding the state incentive process.

What is “grid tied” and how will it help me lower my electric bill… pre-buying electricity?

SHW (Solar Hot Water) and sizing a system that works. Can I heat my house with solar?

Dan Kinney has more than a decade experience in the solar industry, working on small off-grid systems to large commercial jobs of over 500KW. Dan is a working member of Catamount Solar based out of South Royalton… now that’s local!!

Community Radio in the White River Valley? – 4:30 PM

Prometheus Radio Project and Todd Tyson

Join the conversation about starting a low power FM community radio station right here in the White River Valley. All over the country and across the FM broadcast band, there are radio stations operating with the power of one incandescent light bulb. These low power FM stations (LPFMs) are a forum for schools, churches, community centers, farmers, nonprofit organizations, environmentalists, and just about anyone else who doesn’t get much airtime on the higher-powered stations. Given the recent passage of the Local Community Radio Act of 2011, there’s a chance to apply for new low power stations over the next two years. We value radio because it is easy to produce, free to consume, and accessible to more people. Radio does not require expensive equipment, literacy, or a broadband connection. Come hear about the possibilities and bring your ideas for the community use of truly local radio.

Wild Foods of Vermont – 4:30 PM

Les Hook, Nova Kim and Executive Chef Tom Bivins

For the past several years, this was the Fiddlehead Festival’s favorite workshop: Les Hook and Nova Kim are internationally recognized expert wildcrafters who are joined by New England Culinary Institute’s Executive Chef Tom Bivins. You will learn where you can gather green and other spring edibles, as well as proper and innovative preparation methods. This will not only be a learning experience; you’ll also have an opportunity to taste the items prepared.

Demonstrations

·       Chair massage by Vermont Therapeutic Touch

·       Grease vehicles; cars powered by waste oil from 5 Olde Restaurant and Tunbridge World’s Fair

·       Solar powered display by ReKnew Energy Systems

·       Beer making equipment and how to make home brew

·       Micro-dairy and cheesemaking equipment and resources

·       Petting “zoo” of farm animals in the kids’ area

Kids Activity Area

The Kids Activity Area keeps to the “local” theme of the day: Homemade bird feeders with recycled plastic bottles; thumbprint flower T-shirts (made with fabric paint and kid’s thumbprints that made the petals of the flowers); planting mini herb gardens; pressing flowers, and more.

The Market Place

Food vendors, crafts, farmers, schools, libraries, nonprofits and community groups are all invited to come and display under the big tent.