The stage is taking shape!  Come see it in its full glory on April 4th at the Spring Hoedown.

What are you doing Saturday, April 4th?  I hope you are coming to our Spring Hoedown!  We have been planning this event at JBG for so long, I can hardly believe it's almost here - April 4th is NEXT Saturday!  As anyone who has planned a party is aware, it's very helpful to know about how many people are coming.  So, if you know you are headed our way on the 4th, please kindly register by clicking here.

And, if you haven't decided yet, let me convince you! For the first time, we will be holding our Spring Hoedown at our River Road Farm. We have been busy with spring cleaning getting the farm ready for you all.  Everyone on the farm has been working so hard, and it shows. I have to thank the amazing team we have that works rain or shine to bring in the harvest everyday.  But we can’t take all the credit - it's also because of you that JBG has been able to thrive.  Without this supportive community, we simply wouldn't be here. You should know that this farm is something you helped create, whether it be through joining our CSA, shopping at the farmers markets, or going to a local restaurant that cooks with our vegetables. We want to thank you and invite you out to have fun and see the farm next Saturday.

I think the best way to really see the fields is on foot, but since our farm is about 185 acres, walking all the way around it could take a long time.  So, why not run around the farm in our 5K Garden Gallop!  You can sign up here for this unique race - it's a great way to see our organic fields up close.  And, if you don't want to run all that way, you can register for the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk instead.  You choose - either way, you will be able to see our spring fields in their full glory.  And, you may also spot a certain someone running in costume - here's a sneak peak:



 

Don't want to run at all?  No problem!  There's so much more to this hoedown!  You can just come for the delicious farm-to-table food prepared by Iron Wood Ice House and the dessert provided by Lick Honest Ice Creams!  As always, this event is super-kid friendly. I am a father of four, so I know having lots of fun activities for kids can make a world of difference.   And, did I mention there will be music?  This is the part that I always get the most excited about.  We have a fantastic line-up that includes Gumbo Ce Soir, La Tampiqueña (with a special appearance by Mr. Will for the kids), The Show And Tellers, and Out of the Blue.  If you are like me, you can just relax and take in the music.  Or, you can get up and dance - we'll even have some folks there to give you a lesson.

The hoedown is open to all (except pets - kindly leave your dogs and any other animals at home).  Please help us spread the word and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to come to this one-of-a-kind community gathering.  Oh, and, if you know you are coming, please do register now by clicking here as it helps us tremendously with the planning. Thanks so much and can't wait to see you on Saturday!

The happy graduates at Eden East. Photo by Carrie Kenny

In addition to being a lot of fun, part of the event's proceeds will benefit the nonprofit I helped start, Farmshare Austin.  This incredible program is helping to train the next generation of organic farmers, and earlier this week, I got to have dinner with the first graduating class of six.   I would like to thank Sonya Cote for hosting the Farmshare board, staff, and students over at Eden East.  She made these amazing savory pies - one with goat and one with curried vegetables - and treated the farmer-students like royalty.  I couldn't believe how good the food was!  I guess I shouldn't have been surprised as I know what a talented chef Sonya is, but it was incredible.  During the meal, the Farmshare graduates talked about their experiences with the program and their plans for the future.  I was really impressed by all of these young individuals - I left feeling inspired by their drive to succeed in agriculture and their commitment to growing organically.

See you on April 4th!