Submitted by Sustainable Connections
Sustainable Connections announces the success of another Whatcom County Farm Tour. On September 13, the 7th annual tour drew 1,000+ people to nine farms, two markets and one winery.
Every year, more tourists and visitors interested in experiencing local culture, tasting farm products, and learning about unique farms take part in the tour on the second Saturday of September. Community groups, senior groups and bicyclists headed out to explore local farms under sunny skies.
“Each year we help to host the Farm Tour and open Whatcom County farms as a fun agritourism destination for both residents and visitors,” says Sara Southerland, Food and Farming Manager, “We couldn’t do it without the help of our partners, donors, and volunteers. Everyone is always so helpful in promoting this event and the unique food and farming experiences our county offers.”
This year, Haggen organized a chartered bus for kids and their families to attend three locations on the farm tour. The organized bus tour enabled the families to learn more about cheese making at Appel Farms, sample fruits at Cloud Mountain Farm Center and even pick a few strawberries at Bellingham Country Gardens. The company hopes to offer chartered bus service again for future tours.
Attendees donated more than $500 and a total of 35 VIP passes were given out. Volunteers calculated that attendees made more than 3,500 stops to various spots on the tour and people traveled from places such as Seattle, Vancouver, and the Olympic Peninsula to attend the tour.
