Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Thursday, September 10, 2008

Essex Junction, Vt – The Ware Building at the Champlain Valley Fair was bustling from morning to night with special events, cooking demonstrations and kids activities. This year something there was something new - the Best of Vermont competition.

The Agency of Agriculture identified categories of foods made in Vermont, and each day of the fair was dedicated to a specific category. Fairgoers visiting the Ware Building sampled the items and voted on their favorites.

“This was a great success. Not only did thousands of fairgoers get to sample tasty food, the producers were able to highlight their products to potential new customers,” said Koi Boynton, Agricultural Marketing Coordinator with the agency. “We will certainly try this again next year.”

The Ware Building each year is programmed and staffed by agency of agriculture employees. The events and demonstrations focus on Vermont products and agriculture.

Results of the Best of Vermont Competition (be sure to try some today!):

Strawberry Jam
First Place: Side Hill Farm
Second Place: Summer in Vermont Jam
Third Place: Elmore Roots

Chevre
First Place: Does’ Leap
Second Place: Fat Toad Farm
Third Place: Blue Ledge Farm

Granola
First Place: Nutty Steph’s
Second Place: Red Door Bakery
Third Place: Woodstock Cookie Co.

Maple Mustard
First Place: Northeast Kingdom’s Spicy Maple Mustard
Second Place: Northeast Kingdom’s Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
Third Place: Butternut Mountain Maple Horseradish Mustard

Exotic Jam
First Place: Summer in Vermont Jam’s Blackberry Currant
Second Place: Side Hill Farm’s Habanero Mango
Third Place: Elmore Roots’ Red Currant Kiwi

One Year Cheddar
First Place: Grafton Village Cheese
Second Place: Cabot Creamery Cooperative
Third Place: Shelburne Farms

Salsa
First Place: Mariah’s Specialty Vermont Maple
Second Place: Gringo Jack’s Harvest
Third Place: Granny Blossom’s Hot Apple