For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Central Rivers Farmshed’s annual Local Food Fair, scheduled for Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will sport several new attractions this year.

In previous years, the popular Fair has been held at SPASH. This year, to accommodate the growing attendance, the event is moving to SentryWorld.

Over 60 exhibitors from local farms, businesses, and educational organizations sell their goods or share information about their programs at this event.

“The Fair is all about food and supporting what makes Wisconsin great! Be sure to mark it on your calendar, bring your grocery bags and some spending money. Not only is it a time to learn about local food businesses but also to support them though product purchases. Exhibitors will be showcasing their businesses and selling goods,” says Layne Cozzolino, Farmshed Executive Director.

The Fair also marks the release of the 2018 Central Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas. The Atlas is a free local food guide that lists farmers from eleven East Central Wisconsin counties who sell directly to the public. In addition to farms, the Atlas is a guide for local food events, farm markets, workshops, and businesses around the region. The Atlas is available at the Farmshed Office, local libraries, and area businesses that support the local food economy.

Additionally this year’s Food Fair is hosting a competition featuring local chefs’ unique potato dishes. Fourteen establishments have accepted the challenge and will be serving their creations to fair-goers for $4 per serving, and $10 for three, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The contest replaces the potato bar that had been held at the Fair in previous years. From 1 to 3 p.m., baked potatoes with choice of cheese, butter, and sour cream will be served for $2 each or three for $5.

Another new feature of the fair will be the Craft Collective Sampling: limited taste samples of artisan beverages will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring refreshments from Sunset Winery, Stevens Point Brewery, O’so Brewing Company, Great Northern Distilling, and Central Waters Brewing Company. Each Craft Collective member will also have representative beverages available for purchase at the bar in the SentryWorld atrium.

Additionally, there will be an art gallery featuring art by fair sponsor (and designer of the Local Food Fair promotional designs), Offbeat Press, plus food-focused demonstrations, and a kid’s activity center organized by students from the Point of Discovery School.

The Local Food Fair has been Farmshed’s premier outreach event, bringing together producers, consumers, local businesses, and educators to celebrate community and the food that’s grown within it.

For more information, or to inquire about co-sponsoring the Fair, visit Farmshed’s website, farmshed.org.

Details In a Glance

When: February 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: SentryWorld, 601 N. Michigan Ave, Stevens Point

For more informations:  Central Rivers FarmShed, 1220 Briggs Court, Stevens Point, 715.544.6154 and at farmshed.org

Food and Chef Competition Menu

The Oven Above the Pub:  Trice Baked Deviled Skin Egg

Thrive Foodery:  Local Mashed Potato with Blackened Beef Tenderloin

The Main Grain Bakery:  TOAST

The Cottage Cafe:  Loaded Potato Soup

Great Expectations:  Potatoes au Fromage Bleu

Emy J’s:  Sweet and Savory Hashbrowns

On Point Catering – UWSP:  The OnPoint SpudNut

The Iron Grille:  Belgian Rosemary Potato Waffle with Bourbon Barrel Blueberry Maple Syrup

The Checkered Churn:  Gnocchi

Z’Wolf Eatery:  Potato Biscuit Bowl with Sausage Gravy, Roasted Peppers & Soft Egg

Sweet Thyme:  Spiced Potato Wedges with Vegan Butternut Squash Cheese

Rock N Roll Cafe:  Picadillo de Papas

Muse:  Sweet Pea Gnocchi

PJ’s:  “Loaded Potato” Bismarck Donuts