It's true folks, FEAST is coming back in 2015! As plans come together for the event, more material will be added here and throughout the website. Be sure to check back often!
What is FEAST?
The FEAST Local Food Network is a partnership of many organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to growing a sustainable, local and regional food system which encourages innovation. As a result of our work, we hope to see current businesses flourish and new businesses get established.
Is FEAST an acronym?
Nope! But feel free to make some up!
When is FEAST Festival & Tradeshow?
The Tradeshow is on Friday, December 4th.
The Festival is on Saturday, December 5th.
What is the FEAST Festival & Tradeshow?
Just the largest exhibit of the finest local food and beverages in Southern Minnesota, Northeastern Iowa and Southwest Wisconsin. The two day event is held in early December in Rochester Minnesota. http://www.local-feast.org
What makes FEAST Festival and Tradeshow special?
This event is the first of its kind in our region. The focus is on our local producers and foodmakers and showcasing their products to the public and interested buyers. The festival will provide businesses with an opportunity to introduce their product to the public and to share and build relationships with potential customers. The trade show is a chance for buyers and exhibitors to network and create new business relationships or strengthen existing ones. When we develop a food system that continues to support our local producers and foodmakers, we are also supporting the economic development in our region.
What makes the FEAST Festival different from a farmer’s market?
Not only will we have farmers there, but we will have food makers from our the tri-state region showcasing their products. It’s a chance for the public to learn of more local products and start supporting those businesses. The festival will also have cooking demos both for adults and children, a special kids area, entertainment and the ability to attend the special wine and beer exhibit for those folks over 21 years of age.
What kind of businesses will be at the FEAST Festival & Tradeshow?
Businesses that produce a range of food and food-related products. It will include produce from farmers, breads, jams, oils & vinegars, cheese, meats, beer, wine and so much more!
Who should attend the FEAST Festival?
Anyone interested in good food! The Festival on Saturday is open to the public. Grab your friends, neighbors, and children and come down to the Civic Center to see the best local foods and local producers from the region. Chefs will demonstrate holiday cooking and foodmakers and educators will present an array of interesting workshops. The festival will include a children’s activity area, live music, and a local beer and wine tasting event.
How much does it cost to attend the Festival?
Tickets for adults are just $5, for children under 12, just $2. There will be a small additional cost for those participating in the beer and wine tasting.
What is the FEAST Tradeshow?
The tradeshow is designed as an industry day to connect buyers and local foods producers. If you’re a business, school district, restaurant, market, distributor or other professional charged with sourcing foods and are interested in attending as a buyer, check back soon to register to attend.
Why is the Tradeshow closed to the public?
This is a day specifically organized to cultivate the relationships between wholesale local food buyers and local food sellers. It’s a chance for buyers and exhibitors to network and attend workshops that will help them to grow their business and incorporate more local food products.
What should buyers expect to get out of the Tradeshow?
Demand for local foods is burgeoning, and we are providing you with an efficient means to find local farmers and foodmakers who are ready to sell to you! For buyers, this is a chance to attract new customers by incorporating local products.
What should exhibitors expect to get out of the Tradeshow?
Food and beverage entrepreneurs and farmers will meet buyers who are interested in sourcing locally and can attend a range of workshops that provide information critical to growing local foods businesses such as product development, marketing, labeling, regulations, distribution, and sales. Buyers will come from many backgrounds including restaurants; colleges; food service; grocery stores; distributors, etc. In addition, there will be break-out sessions designated to the different aspects of the buyer/producer relationship that will help link food entrepreneurs and business owners to information, business expertise and food-making skills.
Who’s behind the FEAST event?
Oh so many people! Our main contributors are Renewing the Countryside and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. However, during the months we’ve had the support of dozens of businesses and non-profits in the region, as well as many sponsors. We welcome you or your business as a sponsor, volunteer or organizer. Please contact Pam at [email protected] to learn more about ways you can participate.