Ag Events

Wine competition entries for The Big E Wine Competition in 2012 included more than 280 wines from all six New England States and New York. For this year, wines must arrive no later than May 30 for judging on June 15, 2013. Wineries entering two or more wines will then also be able to sign up for a day to sell wines in the a new expanded wine-and-cheese barn during The Big E – so an incredible opportunity for connecting your products with the public. The Eastern States Exposition staff takes care of inventory, sets up your display in the shop, and ring up sales for the day. Wineries will be expected to pour, sample and build relationships with event patrons at this year’s Big E, Sept. 13 to Sept. 29. Free website listing for every medal winner. Entry fee is $35 and two 750 ml bottles (or the equivalent).

Heirloom tomato plant seedlings plus eggplant, peppers, squash, okra, greens, herbs, flowers – extensive offerings at the annual Urban Oaks Organic Farm seedlings sale which continues on Fridays and Saturdays during market hours. Read more about hours and location on the farm’s blog.

Apple blossom time in the orchards throughout the Northeast and in Connecticut.Take a drive – depending on the climate where you live to see peak bloom – and inhale the heavenly scent produced by acres of flowers.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is the country’s largest celebration of trails, happening across the nation on Saturday, June 1. Walk, hike, bike, ride, paddle or participate in stewardship projects. To find a location near you, see this link.

Strolling of the Heifers weekend, June 7 to June 9 with the annual don’t-miss-it parade on Saturday morning. New this year is a self-guided farm, food, fiber tour of the region to meet dozens of farmers and food producers selling direct to the public with many with special activities on Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; information at www.strollingoftheheifers.com.

Or makes plans to see what Edward Hopper thought watercolor and sketch-worthy in Vermont at a Middlebury College Museum of Art exhibit May 23 and open through August 11. Hopper visited the Green Mountain state 1927 thorugh 1938 and captured the rural beauty in land and riverscapes.

Llama and alpaca Day hosted by New England Alpacas and Lakeside Llamas at Lakeside Feed in Guilford, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fiber processing demonstrations, refreshments, handmade products. Free admission.

“Nothing is invented – it is all written in nature.” – Gaudin

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Mining Museum’s Annual Gem and Mineral Swap and Sale is held in conjunction with the Danbury Mineralogical Society on Saturday June 8. More at www.ctamachinery.com.

Notable: The WWOOF-USA Host Farm Directory lists more than 1,600 organic farms (not necessarily USDA certified organic) and gardens across the country

The public is invited to meet with staff, veterinarians and a scientific team at the historic Swiss Village in Newport, Rhode Island for the annual visitors day, June 8. Along with a free self-guided tour of the historic architecture and rare breed displays, scientists will be offer liquid nitrogen demonstrations as well as in-depth explanations of the science behind cryopreservation and the need for genetic diversity in agriculture. A selection of farm products will be available for purchase. Free parking available at Fort Adams State Park. Free trolleys will shuttle between parking area and the event. Call (401) 848-7229 or e-mail info@svffoundation.org with questions.

GardenFest at Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme, is a celebration that includes garden-related special events, workshops and activities for all ages and interests from the novice to the enthusiast, June 7 to June 16.

Information about Slow Food USA chapter-by-chapter events may be found here.

Did you know? 2013 has been proclaimed the Year of the Snake by Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) to raise awareness for snake conservation and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division is participating in this effort by shining a spotlight on Connecticut’s native snake species throughout the year. Fourteen snake species occur in Connecticut. Four of these snakes (common ribbonsnake, eastern hog-nosed snake, smooth greensnake, and timber rattlesnake) are currently on the state’s list of endangered, threatened and special concern species. Only two are venomous, the northern copperhead and the state-endangered timber rattlesnake.

Massachussett Beekeepers Association (MBA) Field Day is Saturday, June 22, University of Massachusetts Agronomy Farm, River Rd. South Deerfield, Mass. Learn from experienced beekeepers about hive management, techniques on pest and disease management, queen rearing, swarm prevention, and a variety of other practical skills. This is an opportunity to learn and ask questions from some of the best state and New England beekeepers. Workshop sessions 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; details at www.massbee.org/contacts.

The 25-mile Shoreline Greenway Trail creates a continuous path for bicyclists, walkers and hikers and for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and bolster healthy communities along the Connecticut shoreline. When complete, the route will extend from Lighthouse Point on the New Haven Harbor through East Haven, Branford and Guilford, to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.

The American Red Cross of Connecticut serves more than 3.5 million people in towns and counties, plus Fishers Island, N.Y. Get involved, take a class, save a life – no matter where you live. Here’s a link to how to get started.