Camas-Washougal farms included in 24th annual Harvest Celebration, regional farm tours

Two East Clark County farms will participate in Washington State University Extension Clark County’s 24th annual Small Acreage Program Farm Tour and Harvest Celebration, to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. The event opens farms to the public to “show the bounty of local agriculture” and give Clark County residents an opportunity to tour and meet their area farmers, according to event promoters. “Buying local food offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just the taste and freshness of the produce,” Terry Koper, WSU Clark County Extension’s small acreage program coordinator, said. “By supporting local farmers, ranchers, fishers and food businesses, consumers help sustain their local economies, keeping financial resources within the community and fostering a vibrant local food system.” Harvest Celebration participants can expect to see “a variety of different agricultural operations in our community, from vegetable farmers to flower growers to animal caretakers,” according to Hannah Schrager, owner of Good Year Farms in Washougal. “Supporting the growers and farmers in our community is one of the best ways to make an impact with your dollar,” she said. “It directly invests in the people and places close to home.” The following farms are scheduled to participate in the free, self-guided event: • Get To-Gather Farm, 1913 Southeast 303rd Avenue, Washougal; • Good Year Farms, 29610 SE 23rd Street, Washougal; • Serendipity Alpaca Ranch, 2630 NE 253rd Street Ridgefield; • Gather and Feast Farm, 2706 NE 369th St., La Center; and • Gifts of the Planet Farm, 42117 NW 34th Ave., Woodland. The farms will offer a variety of “fun-filled” activities, including animal viewing, self-guided tours, U-pick vegetables and flowers, craft-making, vegetable- and salsa-tasting, and photo opportunities with alpacas. Participants will be able to meet local farmers; purchase fresh produce; interact with alpacas, chickens, Scottish Highland cows, chickens and other livestock; and walk through vegetable and flower fields. “Supporting local agriculture helps preserve farmland and encourages responsible land use, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability,” Koper said. “Leveraging favorable local climates, soils, and water resources allows for diverse and resilient food production, making local food systems both economically and ecologically beneficial.” She added that “local produce is often harvested at its peak, which not only enhances its nutritional value but also its flavor,” and said, “When consumers are familiar with their food sources, they gain transparency into farming practices, building trust and ensuring that their food is grown sustainably. This connection to local food systems also strengthens ties within the community and deepens our understanding of the local environment and climate.” Get To-Gather Farm in Washougal, will feature chicken-feeding, a hay-bale pyramid, walking trails, a zen garden, and hay wagon rides, as well as unique produce such as kiwiberry, cucamelon and ground cherry, and a musical performance from Jemtegaard Middle School’s Soundstage club, according to owner John Spencer. “I’m very excited about my participation this year,” Spencer said. “We’ve been going all-out and have 10 vendors lined up to join in the fun, many of whom (people will) recognize from the Camas Farmer’s Market.” The vendors include Bakehouse Sourdough, Green Grocer PNW, Natural Grocers, Nut-Tritious Foods, Shady Grove Farm, Straub’s Snow Cones, Sweet Things by Baldi, Windy River Livestock, and Baker Sihaya (caramel apples). “Another great thing about the Harvest Celebration is the opportunity to introduce people to some of the small farms in the area and let them experience how much better food tastes when it’s grown with good practices, harvested ripe and sold fresh,” Spencer said. Spencer added that part of his mission when he started his farm in 2021 was to “give people an opportunity to reconnect with the earth, nature and food production.” “There are countless studies — at least I haven’t tried counting them — about the benefits of outdoor recreation and immersion in nature,” Spencer, who also serves as a Port of Camas-Washougal commissioner, said. “I happen to live on some of the most beautiful land around. Not only is it good for people to get into nature, but I believe there’s an opportunity here to help people connect with each other and build some community. These are times when people of all persuasions need space to connect and realize each other’s basic goodness despite the differences.” Good Year Farms, a nursery specializing in native plants, will offer Harvest Celebration attendees an opportunity to tour its “beautiful spacious barn” and meet its “ragtag pack of farm animals who have joined the clan and provide entertainment and friendship,” according to a WSU Extension Clark County news release. The Camas-based Mooncake Flower Farm also will be on hand at Good Year Farm with their fresh-cut flowers. “Getting to know the folks that produce the food and care-take land in our region provides connection, inspiration, and learning for all who participate,” Schrager said. “We are lucky to have many farmers still operating in Clark County, and with the large influx of new residents and changes on the landscape, supporting local agriculture is essential to protecting sustainable healthy food webs and a rich community.” For more information, including a map of the farms, visit extension.wsu.edu/clark/2024-harvest-celebration.

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