NORTH WELLINGTON – An event dedicated to spotlighting Wellington County’s agri-food sector will return once again, enticing the public to venture out into rural areas.
The Spring Rural Romp is an annual self-guided tour of farms, markets, nurseries and local food and beverage locations throughout north Wellington.
Its sister event, the Fall Rural Romp, focuses on southern Wellington County.
The romp goes hand-in-hand with a Wellington County initiative, Taste Real, which was developed to support local businesses, farms and producers who are passionate about the way local food is grown, presented and enjoyed.
“This event has been going on for a long time; it’s a favourite for the community and businesses alike,” county manager of economic development Christina Mann told the Advertiser.
This year, the romp features 13 locations from Clifford to Drayton to Damascus.
“It brings together those offering local food and those looking for it,” she said.
Participants include:
– A La Mode Café and ice cream shop;
– Alpaca Time Inc.;
– Arthur Greenhouses;
– The Barrel House;
– The Green Legacy Tree Nursery;
– Mapleton Acres Flower Farm;
– Mapleton’s Organic;
– May’s Café at the Old Post;
– Northwind Bison;
– The Owl’s Nest School;
– Pootcorners Alpacas;
– Silver Fox Distillery; and
– Tullamore Lavender Co.
At each location guests will find a local food map filled with specific information about each destination, including addresses.
“It’s a great opportunity for the public to learn about local food and agriculture,” Mann said.
The event is slated for May 31 from 10am to 4pm.
Mann noted, starting and end times may differ as some businesses open earlier and others decide to stay open past 4pm.
Organizers have included a treasure hunt contest to keep guests moving from location to location.
“It engages the young and old and it’s easy to answer the questions,” Mann said.
Trivia questions can be found on a Taste Real sign at each destination or on a QR code for mobile device users. Once the question is answered online or on a paper ballot, you simply move to the next spot.
Three $100 gift certificates to a Taste Real partner business will be up for grabs.
Mann hopes guests “dig a little deeper” into the rural and agricultural life.
“The rural romp is always a great opportunity to make that connection … we don’t necessarily think about where our food comes from and yet we are so deeply rooted in agriculture,” she said.
She explained that connection can get lost with not just the younger generation, but adults as well.
“Building that localized supply chain and supporting our farmers directly is crucial to maintain that aspect of food sovereignty, and keeping people on the farms growing our food in Ontario,
“It’s just a great way to explore our back roads and communities,” Mann stated.
She is hopeful people will head out into the rural areas and enjoy “what Wellington County has to offer.”
The event caters to all ages, making sure everyone can get a taste of rural agriculture.
A downloadable destination map is available on the county’s website at tastereal.ca, where more information about the businesses can be found.
