Farmshare students & staff doing some spring planting. Photo by Scott David Gordon

This Tuesday, I attended the first-ever graduation for Farmshare Austin, the nonprofit I helped found that trains new farmers in organic growing methods.  I now serve on the board of directors, and it has been an amazing experience to see this independent organization really take off.  At the graduation, I was amazed by the how much positive energy and joy there was in the room  - just check out the expressions on the faces of the graduates and staff.

Farmshare graduate Krissy Voutas  gets her certificate from Lead Instructor Marissa Lankes. Photo by Carrie Kenny

Farmshare's Farm Manager, Lorig Hawkins, congratulates the students on a job well done. Photo by Carrie Kenny

I have to thank Farmshare's exceptional staff for giving these students such an incredible learning experience.  It is one thing to come up with an idea for a nonprofit and quite another to transform that idea into a reality.  Executive Director Taylor Cook, Lead Instructor Marissa Lankes, and Farm Manager Lorig Hawkins made this transformation possible through their hard work and dedication.  At graduation, I was really impressed to hear from the students themselves that Farmshare had exceeded their expectations.  What's even better is most of them want to continue on in agriculture.  It's clear that Farmshare is filling an important need for new farmer education in our community, and I want to do what I can to further their success.  This is why part of the proceeds from the Spring Hoedown this Saturday, April 4th,  will be donated to Farmshare.  I hope you will come join us in the fun Saturday and support the future of farming in the process.

Come run the 5K Garden Gallop at JBG and Farmshare on Saturday!

In case you missed it, let me say it again - the Spring Hoedown is THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 4th, at our River Road location (click here for more info and to sign up).

We've got a lot planned for Saturday, including a 5k Garden Gallop.  If you are a runner, I encourage you to register for the 5K.  This isn't your typical race as the course itself is an organic farm!  The race course will take you all around JBG's fields.  It will also take you through Farmshare Austin's teaching farm right next door.  I can't think of a better way to take in these gorgeous fields - plus, all participants in the 5K get a cool t-shirt!  There's also a 1/2 mile fun run for kids up to age 13, so bring your young ones, too!  One more thing - as promised, I will be running in costume!  Catch me if you can

If running's not your speed, you can walk around the farm to check out the growing vegetables.  And, if you get hungry, we will have plenty to eat, including a special farm-to-table buffet catered by Ironwood Icehouse.  There will be BBQ, local beer, and lots of vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.    And then for dessert, we will have ice cream from Lick Honest Ice Cream.  Believe me, this is one dessert you don't want to miss!

In keeping with all of our gatherings, the Spring Hoedown will also feature great local musicians.  This year, I've managed to pull together so many of my favorite things: farming, running, music, and this amazing community.  I truly love getting the chance to connect with all of you.  As a farmer, it is such a meaningful experience to meet the families that eat what you have grown.  Plus, I love showing off our fields, especially to kids who may never have seen a working farm before - their enthusiasm can even rival my own!  So, I hope you will take me up on my invitation to celebrate with us at JBG this Saturday.  Be sure to bring the young ones, too, and spread the word as this event is open to all (except dogs - no pets, please!)  See you this Saturday!

Here's the Schedule of Events

What: Spring Hoedown and 5k Garden Gallop!

When: Saturday, April 4th

Where: 4008 River Road, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9 AM  Gates Open!

10:00 - 11:00 AM   5K Garden Gallop

10:15 - 10:45 AM  ½ mile Kids’ Fun Run (Up to age 13)

11:00 - 4:00 PM    Kids’ Zone Open

12:00 - 3:00 PM  Food is Served (Meal included in ticket price)

Music & Dancing Schedule 

10:30 - 11:30 AM  Out of the Blue

12:00 - 1:00 PM  La Tamiqueña and Mr. Will

1:30 - 2:30 PM  Show and Tellers

2:30 - 3:00 PM   Dance Lessons with Beth and Marlon

3:00 – 4:00 PM  Gumbo Ce Soir

Click here to sign up!

We'd love to see you Saturday at the Hoedown! Photo by Carrie Kenny