Welcome May!

Well, it is the first day of May, and although it is wet outside, I am sitting here thinking about the wonderful day that is the Asparagus and Flower Heritage Festival, and looking forward to my 1, 2 or even 3 cups of asparagus chowder! Our Town of West Brookfield welcomes over 100 local artisans, crafters and food growers, as well as the delicious offerings of the Asparagus Alley vendors. Here is just a small sample of the line up for this year:

J.P. Glass Designs

Gravestone Girls

Johnson Hill farm

Inishowen Farm

Smith’s Country Cheese

Linabella’s Gourmet Garlic

 

Never Felt Better

BEADana

Windy Hamlet Farm

All Hill Farm

Grimes Apiary

Warren Farm and Sugarhouse

HollowoodsBay State Blankets

Chicken Feather Farm

Giannantonio Designs

Rainbow Kids

Merideth Berthiaume, Woodburned Art

Flower Trail Gardens

Lisa Kegler, Tufa Planters

Moosecreek Candles

Boneyard Biscuits

Positively Perennials

Virginia Weiner, Painted Gourds

Post and Boot

Amazing products from wonderful vendors!! And we can't forget some of the fine team behind Asparagus Alley:

Salem Cross Inn

Ye Olde Tavern

Rise N' Shine Diner

Happy Hempsters

Haymakers Grill

Yum! My mouth is watering for Asparagus Pesto Pizza, Homefries, Clam Chowder, Wraps, Grilled Asparagus Paninis, various salads featuring asparagus, good old fashioned hamburgers, hotdogs and pies.

There will also be a variety of food vendors offering take home delights such as:

June's Bakeshop

Wild Mountain Beefalo Farm

Five Loaves Bakery

I think one of our Asparagus Festival tote bags will come in handy! Look for one at the Information Booth.

See you at the festival!!!

Highlights from the 2011 West Brookfield Asparagus & Flower Heritage Festival

As we begin to prepare for the 2012 West Brookfield Asparagus and Flower Heritage Festival, we'll take some time to look back on the festival in 2011. What a day it was!

The West Brookfield Town Common was lined with vendors, crafters, local artisans, food - a selection to impress and satisfy all visitors.

As always, the Original Squeezed Lemonade stand was popular!

Asparagus Alley provided many lunch and snack options, from grilled asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, oven-fired asparagus pizza and the most amazing asparagus chowder to old favorites of hot dogs and burgers.

Plenty of entertainment was provided throughout the day and everyone was entertained. Frog jumping, a Maypole dance, hat making for the kids and Ed the Wizard!

We are looking forward to a fun filled day in 2012. See you there!

Asparagus Takes Root in America

The Tenth Annual Asparagus & Flower Heritage Festival will take place on the West Brookfield Common on Saturday, May 19,2012 from 10AM-4PM. This unique celebration originally focused on “Asparagus” as the spirit of spring but seven years ago “Flowers & Heritage” were added. The event is, once again, sponsored by the Quaboag Historical Society and the West Brookfield Historical Commission.

Why Asparagus?? In 1790 Deiderick Leertouwer, a Dutch Consul, was sent to the new state of Massachusetts and New England to promote trade. He settled in West Brookfield, which at the time was vying to be the county seat of Worcester. Legend has it that he missed his beloved asparagus and had roots sent to this country which he planted near Foster Hill in town. Asparagus patches appear each spring and several people claim to have the original patch!

This year's Festival is free to the public. Over 100 local growers, artisans, businesses and organizations are expected. Live music is provided by Dick Chase. A Maypole Dance takes place at 1:00pm followed by a Frog Jumping Contest at 1:30pm. Kids, bring your biggest frog! Free kids activities take place all day.. “Ed the Wizard”, a stolling magician, will return again this year and expect to see a lifesize “Asparagus Stalk”. Enjoy lunch in “Asparagus Alley” where a variety of asparagus dishes will be available in addition to other lunch selections.

Come! Meet local plant growers! Sit on a hay bale and enjoy the music! Have lunch with a touch of asparagus. And don’t forget to say hello to Deiderick Leertouwer, he’ll be strolling the Common.

For vendor information contact asparagusfestival@charter.net or phone 508-867-9400 Tues-Fri, 10am-5pm only.