Auburndale Local Food Fair call for exhibitors

The Auburndale Local Food Fair is now accepting applications for exhibitors.

Held in conjunction with the 52nd Annual Auburndale FFA Pancake Feed, the Food Fair will take place on March 25 at the Auburndale High School old gym from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event will feature exhibits by local farmers, non-profit food-related organizations, local businesses that provide food-related products or services and local educational organizations.

There is no cost to exhibitors for this event. Each exhibitor will receive a 3' x 6' table to showcase materials, and Food Fair organizers will intermingle exhibitors for networking purposes.

Exhibitors who prefer a full 3' x 12' table must pay a $30 fee. Set-up will take place on March 24 from 8 a.m.-noon, or beginning at 7 a.m. on March 25.

Exhibitor applications must be post-marked by March 10 to secure a spot. To apply, contact Mark Cournoyer at 715-652-2115 or mcournoyer@aubschools.com.

"This is the first time that we have hosted an event of this kind," said Mark Cournoyer, Food Fair coordinator and Auburndale High School agriculture teacher.

He added, "With the success of local food fairs around the area, the dedicated attendance of the Pancake Feed and the ample space, this will be a win-win situation. There are so many diverse and unique agribusinesses that are tucked into the back roads of central Wisconsin. It is a rare opportunity to get so much one-on-one exposure at an event that not only your neighbors attend, but so will people from 50 miles away."

Among many of the local farmers and businesses who will attend the event is the Get Active Wood County Farm to School team.

The Farm to School exhibit will have information on-hand about the fast-growing Farm to School programs taking place throughout Wood County that help to bring fresh, local foods into school cafeterias.

The goal of the Local Food Fair is to engage the community in exploring local food opportunities in Central Wisconsin.