Get to the Key for a Fabulous Farm Tour

October 1st 2011

The locally owned farms and producers on the Key Peninsula are working together once again this year to organize the annual “Harvest Fest Farm Tour”, Saturday October 1st. Now in its third year, this event used to be a part of a larger Pierce County event. But when that event died, the Key Peninsula farm owners came together to make sure the Key Peninsula Farm Tour continued. And it is going to be an awesome day.

At least five local farms will be part of the tour which is free and perfect for young and old alike. Bring out of town guests, because it’s a great opportunity to show both visitors and residents that there is a much broader reason to stay in Gig Harbor for several days. After you’ve visited historic downtown and/or Uptown, visiting the Key Peninsula is a wonderful way to extend the greater Gig Harbor experience – and one the locals will also find surprising!

This year’s October 1st Farm Tour will be open from 10am – 4pm. Cross the Purdy Spit and follow the signs to the participating farms such as;

Blue Willow Lavender Farm, owned by Bill and Tracy Ketts www.bluewillowlavenderfarm.com

The Bee Lady & Barefoot Boys Garden, owned by Chanetta Ludwig www.thebeelady.weebly.com

Creviston Valley Farms, owned by Greg and Lalaine Wong www.crevistonvalley.com

Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch, owned by Greg and Maureen Sikora www.gentle-giant-meadows-ranch.com

Trillium Creek Winery, owned by Claude and Claudia Gahard www.trilliumcreekwinery.com

The tour includes opportunities for the young and young at heart to see horses, cows, sheep and lambs as well as watch baby chicks hatch right in front of your eyes. There will be a horse handling demonstration as well as hayrides. Purchase fresh eggs, produce, meat or fertilizer! Taste wine at Trillium Creek and bring a bottle home! Or two! And special this year, Creviston Valley Farm will be roasting a pig for Pulled Pork Sandwiches on site. Yum. Live music too! A great day is in store. The farmers are as excited to show you what they do as you will be to see it. Their enthusiasm about locally produced food is infectious and they are anxious to share their passion with you.

Another very special activity as part of the Farm Tour is the Fiber Arts Show: Threads Through Time. This event will take place at the Longbranch Improvement Club and features local fiber artists, using locally produced fiber to make stunningly beautiful and functional art.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a fall day than enjoying and supporting our local and hard working producers! I look forward to seeing you all at the October 1st Harvest Fest Farm Tour on the beautiful (and so conveniently located) Key Peninsula!

Check out each individual farm website or visit www.gigharborguide.com or www.keypeninsulafarmtour.com . See you at the farm tour!!