The very first Philly Farm & Food Fest opens Sunday, April 1, 2012 from 11am to 4pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Annex, Hall G.

A collaboration between Fair Food and PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture), Philly Farm & Food Fest will feature many regional farmers, food producers, artisanal food businesses, and other providers of sustainable goods and services from across our region.

If you’re a passionate foodie (and who isn’t?) Philly Farm & Food Fest is a great opportunity to connect with farmers, artisans and food businesses – everyone dedicated to producing and preparing unique, delicious, and wholesome local foods.

It’s part education. Part community support for the people who produce our food. And 100% delicious fun.

We’ll have question and answer sessions on sustainable food and lifestyle topics.  And lots of events and activities for the whole family.

So bring the family. Bring your friends. Bring your appetite. And your best bib!

(Overalls optional)

CONTEST: Win Amazing And Delicious Prizes In the Philly Farm & Food Fest Contest!

Share photos of your “food family” for a chance to win a TREK bike or other prizes from the first Fest on Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and water ice – but also some of the nation’s greatest sustainable produce and agriculture. Philly’s richness in regional farming and artisanal food motivated local leaders to create the Philly Farm & Food Fest. This year marks the inaugural Philly Farm & Food Fest (PF3), a celebration featuring unique suppliers, extraordinary foods from regional farmers, food producers, and artisanal food businesses.

“I think Philly is primed and ready for the Philly Farm and Food Fest!” Ann Karlen, Executive Director of Fair Food Philly and Fest project partner.

“You’ll be amazed when you see and taste the extraordinary food from our region—it’s way more than fruits and veggies in the summer,” adds Marilyn Anthony, Eastern Regional Director for PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture), and Fest project partner.

To kick off this event, the organizers have designed an interactive contest to encourage gourmands from all walks of life to share their love of good grub. The photo contest asks people to submit the best image of their “food family,” depicting local eats, by highlighting a sustainable community and family from around the region. Finalists will be posted on March 19th for a public voting, and winners will be announced on March 28th. The grand prize for the best photo of food and fun is a TREK bicycle, donated by Subaru of America. Second prize is a Philly Farm & Food Fest goodie basket, complete with “Zip Code” honey, charcuterie, handmade biscotti, and artisan cheeses!

Contenders can submit entries from now through March 17th on the PF3’s Facebook page. Aside from the photo contest, PF3 brings together a community of farmers and enthusiastic eaters to celebrate, learn about, and enjoy the tasty variety the local food scene has to offer. Families with children are especially welcome.

“The Fest will feature the region’s finest food artisans –from established businesses like Capogiro Gelato to up-and-comers such as Market Day Canele,” says Karlen. “We’ve been plugging away for over a decade to connect local farmers to the Philly marketplace, and we are finally experiencing a change in awareness about local food and farming.”