ROCHESTER, Minn. — The region’s biggest local food festival has launched registration for food and beverage businesses from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. The ninth annual FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Regional food makers can learn more and register online at local-feast.org/registration2022.
Local food lovers attend FEAST! to savor the flavor of the Midwest. Filled with sampling, shopping, cooking demos, kids activities, and giveaways, the festival offers something for everyone. As one FEAST! fan said, “It’s a fun event. Sampling different vendors is a great way to try and purchase new products.” The event season has already kicked off its first contest, accepting entries through Sunday, June 5th for a chance to Localize your Pantry (more at local-feast.org/pantry).
“We’re excited to come back stronger than ever at this new, earlier date,” said Tim Penny, President and CEO of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), a founder and sponsor of the event, referring to the switch from December to November. “This will be a great kickoff for the holiday season, and we really relish the opportunity to show off all that our region has to offer from our vibrant local foods businesses.” SMIF is currently inviting sponsors to support the range of FEAST! programs.
FEAST! hosts over 100 regional food businesses each year, including national award-winners with outstanding, unique products. Most utilize locally-grown ingredients to make artisan products ranging from cheese and jams to specialty and ethnic sauces to hard cider, craft beer and wine. Many also carry certifications, including gluten-free, grass-fed and organic, and show commitment to community through environmental sustainability, fair wages, community food access, and social activism.
“I enjoyed talking with customers at FEAST! They were involved, engaged and interested in what the vendors had to offer, open to tasting our products and providing feedback. I’m looking forward to this year’s festival,” said Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale of Panache, winner of the 2021 FEAST! People’s Choice Award. Jaiswal-Dale uses Minnesota apples for Panache juices and also received the 2022 FEAST! Innovative Local Sourcing Award.
Vendors who sign up by September 2nd receive a registration discount, priority booth placement, and a listing in Local FEAST! Magazine Vol.5, coming in October.
FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace is co-hosted by non-profit organizations including Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and Renewing the Countryside, and is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. For more information, including COVID-related updates, visit www.local-feast.org and follow us on social media: @localfeastnetwork on Facebook, @Local_Feast on Twitter, and localfeast on Instagram.
CONTACT
Elena Byrne
Renewing the Countryside
elena@rtcinfo.org
608-712-8340
–FEAST! Local Foods Marketplace
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