Monroe County Fair, a time-honored tradition, serves as a vibrant hub for agricultural vendors, showcasing an array of products from local farmers, artisans, and agricultural enterprises. This blog post will take you through the heart of Monroe County Fair’s bustling vendor scene, giving you a month-by-month breakdown of the most notable agricultural vendors who bring fresh produce, innovative farming techniques, and handcrafted goods to visitors. The post will highlight not only the main event held from July 28 to August 3 but also monthly showcases leading up to and following the fair. Each section will delve into the diversity and quality of the offerings, helping you plan your visit and support the local agricultural community.
April
With the arrival of spring, April marks the beginning of the agricultural vendor season in Monroe County. This month, you can expect an influx of early bloomers, including vendors selling seedlings, young plants, and a variety of organic seeds for home gardening enthusiasts. One popular vendor in this category is Green Thumb Nurseries, renowned for their wide selection of heirloom vegetable plants, vibrant flowers, and herb starters. In addition to plants, April also brings homemade jams, preserves, and early-season honey to the forefront. Local beekeeper vendors like Honey Haven offer fresh, raw honey as well as intricate beeswax candles and beekeeping supplies. These vendors provide an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainable practices in apiculture and to taste the first harvests of the season.
May
As the weather warms up in May, agricultural vendors at Monroe County Fair expand their offerings. This is prime time for fresh, leafy greens, and hydroponically grown herbs. Vendors such as Fresh Fields Farms shine during this month, presenting an array of salads, leafy vegetables, and mature herb plants ready for your kitchen garden. May is also when dairy vendors become more prominent. Artisan dairies like Creamy Creations set up shop, offering a delectable assortment of cheeses, yogurts, and milk products, often with live demonstrations on cheese-making. This provides a deep dive into local dairy practices and offers a chance to support small-scale, ethical dairy farming.
June
June brings a burst of color to the Monroe County Fair with an abundance of fruit vendors. Strawberries, early cherries, and the first summer berries are stars of the month, drawing crowds eager for fresh and juicy produce. Berry Best Farm is a standout vendor, offering tantalizing packs of freshly picked berries as well as homemade berry jams and jellies. Farm-to-table vendors also make a significant appearance in June, serving up fresh, locally-sourced salads and smoothies to keep visitors energized. You might find Field & Feast, a popular vendor known for their fresh, organic meals prepared on-site using ingredients sourced directly from local farms. This month sets the tone for summer, highlighting the best in fresh, seasonal produce.
July
As the peak of summer approaches, July’s agricultural vendors at the Monroe County Fair showcase an impressive array of diversified products. Summer vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini dominate the scene, often available from vendors like Sun-Kissed Farms, known for their vibrant and flavorful produce. In addition, July sees an influx of farm crafts and handmade goods. Daisy Chains Craftworks provides an eclectic selection of handmade soaps, lotions, and beauty products all derived from locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. This month is a perfect blend of food and craft, providing a well-rounded agricultural experience.
July 28 – August 3 MONROE COUNTY FAIR
The highlight of the summer, the Monroe County Fair, takes place from July 28 to August 3. This grand event brings together over a hundred agricultural vendors under one roof, making it a haven for any agriculture enthusiast. Leading vendors include Sunnybrook Orchards, offering a panoramic selection of freshly picked apples, peaches, and plums, as well as homemade pies and ciders prepared on-site. Another prominent vendor is Grazing Hills Meat Co., specializing in organic, grass-fed beef, pork, and poultry. Visitors can purchase premium cuts or try their famous BBQ that’s prepared while you wait. This period also features informative workshops and live demonstrations on sustainable farming techniques and animal husbandry, ensuring that there’s as much to learn as there is to enjoy.
August
Following the fair, August continues to be a vibrant month for agricultural vendors, particularly those specializing in late-summer produce. Vendors like Harvest Moon Farms bring fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, and an array of squash varieties to the market. These vendors often provide recipes and cooking tips for maximizing the use of their produce. August is also the month for flower vendors, offering stunning bouquets and cut flowers. Petal Pushers is a beloved vendor, bringing a slice of summer colors with their meticulously arranged floral displays. Engaging with these vendors allows you to not only take home beautiful arrangements but also to learn about native flower species and sustainable floriculture practices.
September
The start of fall in September comes with an abundance of harvest celebrations at Monroe County Fair. This month is dedicated to autumn vegetables, with vendors like Earth’s Bounty providing a cornucopia of pumpkins, gourds, and root vegetables. These vendors thrive on the changing season, offering unique varieties and heirloom vegetables perfect for fall cooking. September also focuses heavily on canned and preserved goods. Vendors such as Granny’s Pantry specialize in canned vegetables, home-made pickles, and rich, flavorful chutneys. This is an excellent month for stocking up on pantry staples while supporting local small-scale preservationists.
October
October’s agricultural vendors at Monroe County Fair fully embrace the fall season. Apple vendors are particularly prominent, with Cranny’s Orchards offering a wide array of apple varieties, freshly pressed cider, and artisanal apple products like apple butter and cider vinegar. The fall flavors are undeniably present, making this a favorite month for many visitors. Pumpkin patches from vendors like Pumpkin Paradise dominate the scene, offering not only pumpkins for carving but also a variety of squash perfect for cooking. Visitors enjoy exploring the diverse shapes, sizes, and colors of the seasonal produce, making it an Instagram-worthy experience.
November
As the holiday season starts, November vendors at Monroe County Fair shift focus toward holiday preparations. Vendors such as Turkey Time Farm offer fresh, pasture-raised turkeys, along with holiday hams and other meats ideal for a festive feast. These vendors often provide pre-order options to ensure you get the freshest holiday roasts. November is also a great time for finding holiday-themed baked goods and treats. The Pie Lady is a crowd favorite, offering an assortment of seasonal pies, tarts, and cookies. These vendors become increasingly busy as families prepare for their holiday gatherings, turning this month into a bustling scene of culinary delights.
December
December wraps up the year with a festive atmosphere at Monroe County Fair, featuring vendors that specialize in holiday goods and winter produce. Christmas tree farms like Evergreen Wonders sell stunning trees and wreaths, while also offering tree care advice to keep your tree fresh throughout the season. Winter farmers focusing on storage crops like root vegetables, winter squash, and cabbages are also well-represented. Frosty Fields Farms brings hearty produce perfect for winter stews and comforting dishes. This month is all about enjoying the season’s bounty while supporting local farmers and crafters.
Schedule Subject To Change
It’s essential to keep in mind that the schedules for the vendors at Monroe County Fair can change, sometimes with little notice. Weather conditions, crop yields, and other factors might impact the presence of specific vendors. Hence, it’s always a good idea to check the latest updates on the fair’s website or social media channels to ensure you have the most accurate information. “`html
Month | Vendor Highlights |
---|---|
April | Green Thumb Nurseries, Honey Haven |
May | Fresh Fields Farms, Creamy Creations |
June | Berry Best Farm, Field & Feast |
July | Sun-Kissed Farms, Daisy Chains Craftworks |
July 28 – August 3 | Sunnybrook Orchards, Grazing Hills Meat Co. |
August | Harvest Moon Farms, Petal Pushers |
September | Earth’s Bounty, Granny’s Pantry |
October | Cranny’s Orchards, Pumpkin Paradise |
November | Turkey Time Farm, The Pie Lady |
December | Evergreen Wonders, Frosty Fields Farms |
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