Summer Foodie Event Kick-off: Taste of the Catskills

The summer foodie event cycle is upon us and many worthy events are looking for vendors to add to their days' festivities. Event coordinators are also searching for sponsors, those regional fairy godmothers who help stage and finance behind-the-scene needs. At the Watershed Agricultural Council, we sponsor a lot of events, probably 50 a year; but we get invited to participate with more than we can humanly attend and afford. That's why I'm inviting you to help out. Step up and be the foodie sponsoring an event of your choice, where you have an affinity for the food (or kids or cauliflower). Bring your wares to sell or simply give a few hours helping a local coordinator bring the event message forward.

Taste of the Catskills is all about affordable family fun, good food and promoting area farming. The event -- slated for July 2 and 3 and again on October 8 and 9 -- brings together regional music, food, beer, wine and family funtime, a Taste of the Catskills, if you will, at Maple Shade Farm, Delhi. Maple Shade is a family-run farm, owned by Jay and Abby Wilson where they raise their three kids, pigs, turkeys and assorted smaller livestock. They know farming, kids' education and having fun. Jonah Shaw, owner of Quarter Moon Cafe in Delhi, is coordinating the Taste of the Catskills. He's a family guy too, who really knows fresh food; you should taste his full pork turned on a spit, which you can try at Taste of the Catskills.

All of this will be great, but it can be even better with your help.

So, vendors: think farm products, food-products made locally, artisan creations, crafts. Sponsors? Think programming, music, workshops, and activities...Port-a-potty sponsorship anyone? Sponsors at $1,000 or more can insert a flyer about your business inside the Welcome Packet which will be given to every car parked in the pasture. There are countless ways to volunteer, from set-up, security, parking to clean-up.

What are we doing at the Council? We'll be hosting movie screenings as part of our Summer Environmental Film Series which kicks off May 20-22 as part of Schoharie Watershed Month. On July 3rd, hang out in the hay mow and catch "What 's on Your Plate?, Vanishing of the Bees, The Greenhorns and Reclaiming Our Water. There may be one or two film surprises but you'll have to show up at Taste of the Catskills to find out.

What would we do with ourselves if we didn't have some place cool, to kick back at, to take those weekend guests to on a balmy July afternoon? Discover the new way of engaging in something fun that supports our local economy and family farms...sponsor, sell, or volunteer this year at Taste of the Catskills!