Those interested in seeing just where their local food comes from can take today’s fourth annual Farm Tour of eight farms throughout Jefferson County.
Beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., the tour is self-guided and free of charge.
Organized by Washington State University Cooperative Extension in Port Hadlock, the Port Townsend Farmers Market and the Port Townsend Food Coop, the tour promises to offer an afternoon of local fun and flavor.
Many of the eight participating farms plan entertainment and will offer samples of their fall harvests.
“This will give people a chance to connect with not only the local produce, but where it comes from,” said Libby Urner, Port Townsend Farmers Market director.
“But it’s mostly about highlighting farmers and letting them show people what they do.
“It’s a great opportunity to see where your produce comes from and meet your local farmer.”
The eight participating farms are:
* Colinwood Farm, 1210 F St., Port Townsend
* Sunfield Farm, 10903 Rhody Drive, Port Hadlock
* Finnriver, 326 Country Meadow Road, Chimacum
* Magical Dirt, 1594 Center Road, Chimacum
* Ananda Hills Farm, 553 Embody Road, Beaver Valley
* Plum Wild, 4595 Eaglemount Road, Chimacum
* Old Tarboo, 781 Old Tarboo Road, Quilcene
* Serendipity Farm, 141 Cemetery Road, Quilcene.
Colinwood, the only farm in Port Townsend, will offer an educational tour.
At Sunfield Farm, horse-drawn cart rides, children’s crafts and games, a petting zoo and music will be available.
Finnriver will have a working cider press, and tour-goers will be able to pick pumpkins and apples.
Visitors will get to see the secret of Roger Short’s Magical Dirt.
Ananda Hills Farm is on the tour for the first time. It will offer demonstrations on wool preparation and spinning.
Plum Wild will offer an assortment of activities including demonstrations of fly casting in the Plum Deep Pond, sheep shearing and horse-drawn cart rides.
Old Tarboo will have a stand of its produce and a sign-up sheet for those interested in community supported agriculture.
Serendipity Farm plans a natural horsemanship demonstration at 12:30 p.m. and pony rides from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tour programs are available at the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center, 2437 E. Sims Way; at The Food Coop, 414 Kearney Street, Port Townsend; and at each of the participating farms.
Directions to each of the farms can be found at the WSU Extension Web site at http:/jefferson.wsu.edu/.