(Pictured above are cows enjoying a previous Fermentation Fest. Photo Courtesy of the Worm Farm Institute.)
First, let's discuss what Fermentation Fest is not? It is not corn mazes, bobbiing for apples, polka dancing under a tent, German beers and lederhosen, or hay bale rides on wagons, All those late Summer/Early Fall moments have their rightful place but Fermentation Fest goes beyond the traditional seasonal celebration and recognition of bountiful harvests. Ferm Fest is recognition of Wisconsin's agricultural heritage, its' farmers, and the embracing of new ideas whether that be sustainable agriculture or the culture and expression of art. The festival is a classroom both outdoors in the field and under a roof educating farmers of the future or just the curious
weekend hobbyist.
In previous years Fermentation Fest's first interaction with its' event goers was a large brochure with a map that guided visitors to a series of farms along a route through the rolling hills of the Driftless Region around Reedsburg and Sauk City. Each farm stop along the tour (D'Tour) hosted art installations, fermentation food demonstrations, DIY products and locally produced food. 2021 marks Fermentation Fest's first year to be hosted in one location, Witwen Park. This version of the festival is collaboration with Grassland 2.0 and Artisan Grains which speaks more to creating healthier farms for the farmer, our lakes and streams and the community at large.
What prompted Wormfarm the hosts of Fermentation Fest to change the event to be staged in one area?
"Typically, Fermentation Fest is anchored by the Farm/Art DTour that brings visitors on a journey through the working farm fields of Sauk County. Wormfarm has been experimenting with different program ideas this year, and since the Farm/Art DTour is a biennial, we decided to experiment with a new iteration of Ferm Fest," says Philip Matthews, Director of Programs at Wormfarm Institute
This year's Ferm Fest will still feature agricultural demonstrations, artworks steeped in Wisconsin's agricultural roots, but also tastings to learn about hot sauce, managed grazing through demonstrations, beer and chocolate, ginger bug, performances like Brian Sobaski's giant cow made of Kernza harvested nearby, Sarah Butler's bubble dance, or Kase Wheatley's 'Grassroots Theater', not to mention the great lineup of local and national musicians that will be performing in the Grassical Jamboree, complete with Scandinavian cow calling by Caitlin Vitale-Sullivan. "There will be something for everyone," says Mathews.
The 2021 Fermentation Fest: Grassland Edition is about the regenerative power of grassland agriculture in its' ability to unite rural and urban communities. Visitors can attend a talk with Grassland 2.0 and Artisan Grain Collaborative which will discuss how managing grazing and artisan grains can transform and diversify our food system for healthier and more sustainable Wisconsin agriculture.
"The Driftless region of Wisconsin is known for its beautiful rolling hills and farm fields, and Fermentation Fest is situated right in the middle of that at the historic Witwen Park. They will be able to enjoy this beautiful rural setting, while also tasting some delicious local food and beer, meeting rural and urban neighbors, and listening to great music. I promise, it's worth the drive!" succinctly put by Mathews.
Fermentation Fest: Grassland Edition takes place
Sat Sep 25th 11:00am - Sun 26th 6:00pm
at Witwen Park and Campground, S9855 County Rd E, Sauk City, WI 53583, EE. UU.
