The Potsdam Food Co-op would like to express its sincere appreciation to everyone who took part in its annual Local Food Fest on Saturday, September 21 as it celebrated 46 years serving the North Country. It was a beautiful day filled with food, live music, activity for kids, and fun for all! Balloons from Potsdam’s Willow Tree Florist added an extra sparkle to the day.

Thanks to all of the Co-op vendors who participated in this festive event held under the big tents on Elm Street. We very much appreciate their involvement by showcasing their products sold in the Co-op and generously providing samples. Visitors enjoyed having the chance to talk with them with the opportunity to find out more about their products and their business.

Bethany Munn from Black River Valley Natural, Lyons Falls, was on hand, showcasing the Milk and Butters from her farm. She also served the Goat Milk Gelato provided by Hidden Pastures Goat Dairy in Glenfield.

Jeff Van Arsdale from Cedar Hedge Farm in Lowville, offered samples of Goat Feta and Chèvre. These delicious cheeses are made from the milk of his happy and well-cared-for dairy goats raised on the farm.

Dr. John Dewar, gardener extraordinaire from Potsdam’s Village Veggies, served Fresh Salsa made with ingredients from his Village Veggie garden. Delicious Fresh Cider and Cider Juices were served by Canton Apples’ Joel Howie, from his local orchards.

Aqua ViTea Kombucha, Middlebury, VT provided samples of their authentic and organic non-alcoholic Kombucha. This fermented tea is created by Aqua ViTea by blending ancient brewing traditions and new technologies. The result is a tasty beverage with many health benefits. Four flavors of their Kombucha is on tap at all times in the Co-op.

Guests were also treated to a delicious assortment of almond-based, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO Sauces and Dips provided by the Bitchin’ Sauce company of Carlsbad, CA. Jessica Whitford of Woody's Maple, Hermon, NY was at the table offering samples of Syrup and Maple Cream from their sugar bush. This natural elixir was a perfect paring with the fresh Donuts made by the bakers in the Co-op’s Carriage House bakery, also served on the sampling table.

Also provided from the Co-op’s Carriage House bakery and deli were its signature Jalapeno Firecrackers served with a delicious Blueberry Dipping Sauce, traditional Macaroni Salad, and its popular Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad.

Pat and April St. Onge (of Pat & April’s Pork) gave festival visitors the opportunity to try their delicious Italian Sausage from their farm in Fort Covington, NY. Their animals are humanely-treated and raised in a pleasant environment without growth hormones or antibiotics.

We are also grateful to the local musicians who played throughout the day. Matt Bullwinkel entertained with a solo set and also joined his fellow band members of Animal Crackers; Frank McLaughlin and Dan Sullivan-Catlin. The music was very much enjoyed by all.

The store was humming as many took advantage of the 10% discount on store purchases offered to everyone for the entire day. The lucky winner of the bread raffle was Robin Collen. For the next twelve weeks she will have the opportunity to choose a loaf of the Co-op's Carriage House Bakery's hearth-baked bread for each of those weeks.

A special thank you to our friends and neighbors at the Christian Science Church for allowing us to use their lawn for our Local Food Fest and community celebration again this year. We are also grateful to our working-owners, staff members, Outreach Committee members, and members of our Board of Directors who assisted in the various aspects of this Local Food Fest. We appreciate their help and all they did to make this a wonderful event!

The Potsdam Food Co-op is proud to have served the community for 46 years and looks forward to continuing its tradition of providing a cooperative grocery store where everyone is welcome to shop (with no membership required) and anyone is welcome to join. Committed to the community and local sustainability, its emphasis is on providing natural and organic foods with the practice of buying from local and regional growers and producers. A large selection of specialty foods such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan foods are also available. Find out more about the Co-op by visiting www.PotsdamCoop.com, following on Facebook and Instagram, calling 315-265-4630, or stopping for a visit at 24 Elm Street in Potsdam.

Lynn Clark

Marketing/Outreach Coordinator

Potsdam Food Co-op