5th Annual Kickapoo Country Fair

Cultivating Rural Heritage and the Future of Farming

Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, 2008

Celebrating their 20th anniversary and the success of the organic family farm cooperative, Organic Valley Family of Farms will host the fifth annual Kickapoo Country Fair on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, on the grounds of its headquarters in La Farge, Wisconsin, set in the ancient and beautiful hills of the Kickapoo River Valley. Open to the public, the rural heritage, food and farming festival will be a showcase of the region's agricultural traditions, including farm tours and exhibits, music, local and organic cooking taught by celebrity chefs and readings by activist authors. Free workshops pertaining to many aspects of sustainability, including renewable energy, community health and environmental responsibility will be offered. The work of local artisans and food vendors will be available for sale throughout the event. The second annual Butter Churn Bike Tour will also offer visitors a great way to see the beautiful Driftless Region of Southwestern Wisconsin. The two-day festival offers activities for both adults and children.

Food will take center stage in the Kickapoo Kitchen tasting tent. On Saturday, July 26, some of America's foremost organic chefs and locavores from the Kickapoo Valley will demonstrate techniques and offer classes and sampling of the best of organic foods from our region. This ticketed event has limited seating. Tickets are available on-site, on Saturday, beginning at 9 AM. For additional ticketing options, visit www.kickapoocountryfair.org for details.

In recognition of the co-op's anniversary and the success of the entire organic and sustainable food movement, Organic Valley has lined up an exciting program and an impressive roster of special guests for this year's event. Honoring the pioneers of the organic movement, the co-op will welcome such legendary figures as Francis Moore Lappe (keynote speaker), Fred Kirschenmann, Jim Hightower and John Stauber to the stage at this year's event. Also celebrated will be the co-op's "Generation Organic" (Gen - O) Award winners - young farmers recognized for their leadership of the next generation of organic farmers.

The fair will showcase the Kickapoo Valley's many talents and entertain all the senses with music, food and art of many local traditions. Featured musicians will include Michael Martin Murphey, Natty Nation, Polkarioty and Bonnie Koloc. Fairgoers will also be entertained by Nanda, the amazing "acrobaticalists," inbetween music acts on Saturday evening. Sunday's music line-up includes the DisChords and JJ Zydeco, plus square dancing with Sue Hulsether and the Kettle Creek String Band.

Additional program and visitor information can be found at www.kickapoocountryfair.org.