The winter was particularly long this year. You deserve a reason to get out and enjoy the warmer weather and greening vistas. Join the Concord Food Co-op for the biggest event of the year: the 7th Annual Spring into Healthy Living Fair on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect this year to be even bigger and better – approximately 4,000 people will flood Main Street in front of the store to meet local farmers, try samples of all-natural products, and join in for a variety of activities. They’re closing down a section of Main Street for this extravaganza, and it’s all free. The event will happen rain or shine. No matter what the weather, we’ll be comfortable under the big top tent.
The Club Soda Band will be back by popular demand for the group’s fun mix of classic rock to keep you bopping as you work your way through the tent. Enjoy free samples from approximately 70 Co-op farmers and companies, including unique New Hampshire-made caramel popcorn, mouth-watering grilled goodies, organic duck eggs, spanakopita and baklava, sprouted nuts, fermented veggies, local honey, and much more. It’s a localvore’s mecca: the majority of the day’s offerings are made and/or grown right here in New England.
Enjoy free chocolates, beer, wine, and mead tastings inside for the adults and lots of fun activities for the kiddos outside. We’ve got all your favorites – kids will have a ball at the farm-style petting zoo by the Traveling Barnyard, where they can come face-to-face and finger-to-fur with goats and other livestock. Less squeamish children can pet and hold snakes and reptiles with P&R Reptiles. The Co-op’s Creation Station tent will host all sorts of natural crafts and activities. Enjoy the ever-popular face painting by local artisan Linda Weiser of The Artists View. Miles Smith Farm’s locally famous Highland cow rides will also be available.
But it’s not just about kids, food, and drink. This day is also devoted to healthier, better living. Several of the Co-op’s esteemed wellness educators will be on hand to share information about their practices and healthy tips. Black belts from the Penacook School of Martial Arts will run interactive presentations, and folks from the Merrimack River Greenway Trail will hand out trail brochures, and magnets. Several of the nonprofits from the Co-op’s Community Partners program will be on hand to share details of the important work they do in our local area.
Enjoy regular raffles and give-aways including a Moonlight Meadery $50 romance package, Sap House Meadery wine glasses, an organic cheese and dairy gift basket from Brookford Farm, and outdoor gear from the Merrimack River Greenway Trail. Also enjoy wellness products from Carlson’s, Amazing Grass, Garden of Life, and Barlean’s.
Don’t miss the live cooking demo with the Co-op’s very own Executive Chef Scott Jones from the Co-op’s Celery Stick Café. He’ll prepare salmon filet seasoned with a peppercorn rub wrapped in a real cedar wood wrap and slowly grilled. The cedar provides a nice fragrance while cooking and another element of added flavor to the fish.
Everyone is welcome to take part in this event. It’s totally free, fun for all ages, and no registration is necessary. Just drop by.
Free parking is available across the street in the Capitol Commons parking garage. Access is on Storrs Street. The event is handicap accessible and will be held rain or shine. For directions and up-to-date details, visit concordfoodcoop.coop.
