Farm 2 Fork is an annual festival that celebrates the region's local bounty. We are committed advocates for our local farm community and are actively engaged on many levels to make consumers aware of the importance of supporting our local agriculture. In the tradition of the Adirondack Green Circle who started the festival, we continue to strive to “leave no trace” in all our endeavors.
Since its inception, the Festival has grown and is partnered with TasteNY, which has allowed local distillers, vintners, and brewers to join us. It's a great way to celebrate all the local goodness that surrounds our region.
Now in its 12th year, this year’s theme is “Together Again: Farm 2 Youth,” celebrating farmers, good food, and all of our community's youth who have bravely persevered throughout all of the COVID pandemic.
Each year, Farm 2 Fork partners with organizations doing important work in North Country communities. This year, proceeds from the Festival will benefit the Saranac Lake Youth Center, which serves all Middle and High School students in the Saranac lake School District . As festival organizing committee member Nick Delaini says, "Now more than ever, we need to pull together as a community and support our neighbors."
ABOUT THE SARANAC LAKE YOUTH CENTER
The Saranac Lake Youth Center opened in 1982 and serves all Middle and High School students in the Saranac lake School District. It is open 2:30-6:00 pm Monday – Friday after school and for a few weeks in the summer as well. The Youth Center is housed in a bright 2000 sq. foot office space in downtown that is easily accessible from schools and neighborhoods. Inside there are 2 pool tables, a ping pong table, basketball nets, air hockey, computers, video games, music and a full kitchen available to learn cooking skills. Daily free snacks are provided which has encouraged the kids visiting to stay for hours. There is also an abundance of board games and art/craft supplies as well as lounge areas.
Daily youth visits generally number from 15-35, most youth staying for hours. In 2019 there were 5,387 visits, representing 234 individual youth. This means over 30% of the entire district’s teen population use the Center.
At the Youth Center teens feel at home, accepted. They are free to be themselves with understanding supervision. They can eat, play games, do homework or do what’s most important to teenagers, just hang out. With the current crisis of drug abuse and teen depression, the value of the Youth Center cannot be overstated. The Center’s focus is on forming positive relationships and being respectful and responsible. The Director provides support and guidance while allowing the teens the freedom to express themselves and to explore their growing independence. It is a space where teens feel safe and accepted during the unstructured after-school hours. It is a space just for them, and it is a fun place to be.
PARTICIPATING FOOD GROWERS & PRODUCERS OVER THE YEARS
Asgaard Dairy Brandy Brook Maple Capitol City Specialties Company DBA Early Dawn Confections Early Dawn Confections Fledgling Crow Harmony Hill Hid-In-Pines Vineyard Juniper Hill Farms Lake Flour Cakery Mace Chasm Moonstone Farm Nine Pin Cider Nori’s North Country Creamery Peanut Principle Raquette River Brewing Rolf's Orchards Small Town Cultures Squeak Creek Apiaries Sugar House Creamery Triple Green Jade Wildflora Provisions