Contacts:
Helen Labun Jordan, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3828
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Essex Junction, Vt – The Champlain Valley Fair is under way with rides, food, entertainment, and of course agricultural exhibits. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture invites you to visit them at the Ware Building. From August 23rd to September 1st the Ware Building at the Champlain Valley Exposition will be bursting with local flavor as it is transformed into the Taste of Vermont Pavilion.

Special highlights include cooking demonstrations on Thursday, August 28 by Agency of Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee and Deputy Secretary David Lane. Mr. Allbee and his wife Ann will make Hope Farm Corn & Cheddar Chowder at 7 p.m. and Mr. Lane will demonstrate how to make maple sugar candy at 4:00 p.m.

There are many other activities planned at the Ware Building each day during the fair. Some of the highlights include:

• At the Kitchen Corner Vermont’s top chefs will demonstrate how to transform local foods into gourmet meals. Audience members will enjoy the action of the kitchen, food samples and complimentary recipe cards. Cooking demonstrations are scheduled each day at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.
  For those interested in how home cooks compare, the Champlain Valley Fair cooking contests are judged in the Ware Building each day at 4:30 p.m.
• At the Vermont Spirits Villa fairgoers over the age of 21 can sample local wine and beer along with specialty food pairings.
• Kids will enjoy spending time in our Ag Education Barnyard with a continuous supply of books, toys and activities throughout the day.
• Stop by on Sunday, August 31st to show your creative side and take part in the statewide Art Fits Vermont program developed by the Vermont Arts Council (www.vermontartscouncil.org).
• Phoenix Books is on hand each day starting at 11:30 a.m. with a selection of books on local foods, gardening, cooking and Vermont foods.