Moos for You

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

The 10th annual Maryland Day takes place tomorrow, April 26, from 10 a.m. til 4 p.m. on the University of Maryland Campus in College Park.

The day features over 400 hands-on exhibits, workshops and live performances, along with a massive give-away of 50,000 free cupcakes to mark the anniversary. (Last year's Maryland Day saw 77,000 visitors, so don't go thinking there'll be plenty of cupcakes for you late comers!)

The campus-wide open house includes Arts Alley, Sports & Rec Row, Science & Tech Way, and Biz & Society Hill. But I wouldn't be earning my NAL stripes if I didn't give special play to Ag Day Avenue, a collection of 72 different exibits and events demonstrating that ag ain't just about farming.

Answer questions and win prizes at Nutrition Jeopardy, walk through the Web of Life, learn what it takes to be a Maryland farmer or forester, or see what all the buzz is about in beekeeping.

Also be sure to visit with NAL's own Food Safety and Food and Nutrition Information Centers to get the latest on how to give your body what it needs. Tell 'em InfoFarm sent you.

Maryland Day will go on rain or shine, but the weather's supposed to be good. There's also free admission, free parking, good food, and did I mention the free cupcakes? What's stopping you? Get out there and enjoy!

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Agritourism on April 25, 2008 EST | Permalink

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cooooooooooooooooooool

Submitted by: jordyn on April 27, 2008 07:03 PM

Fall into Rural America

Isn't October supposed to be cool and crisp?

I'm finding it hard to believe it's fall when the DC area set a new daily high temp yesterday, but the weather folks are promising a more seasonal run soon. I hear though that Mother Nature has made good on that promise in some parts of the country, so for all of you currently experiencing cool and crisp -- and for those of us who look forward to joining you -- I thought I'd remind you of all the opportunities to experience autumn through the beauty and bounty of rural America.

From u-pick apples, pumpkins, and walnuts to corn mazes, hayrides and haunted houses, farmers and ranchers in rural communities everywhere are rolling out the red carpet to visitors. Head out of town and you might also tour a winery, sample local cider, pick up some mums, enjoy the fall foliage, or snag bundled corn stalks to decorate your house. And let's not forget the close encounters with horses, goats, rabbits and such at the petting zoos along the way.

This intersection of agriculture and tourism, aptly called agritourism, is a growing industry, bringing added revenue for farmers and helping conserve the land. According to the Travel Industry Association, roughly ten percent of U.S. travelers participated in rural sightseeing in 2004 (the latest data I could find). That's more than golf, winter sports, art galleries and cultural events combined. That's also a lot of people.

So, if you're looking for something to do this weekend, head to the hills. It'll likely be cool and crisp (so says the weatherman), and it'll be fun. (And if I haven't given you enough ideas about what to do, check out the suggestions over at GovGab.)

But if you're a farmer or rancher looking to attract city dwellers like myself, check out the agritourism resources pulled together by the Library's Rural Information Center. The effort might expand your business, strengthen your community and help preserve rural America.

Posted by Mary Ann Leonard

Added to Agritourism on October 10, 2007 EST | Permalink

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