Get a taste of Michiana’s thriving food scene at this special Fernwood event that brings together chefs, farmers, and gardeners from across our region. See what’s cooking behind the scenes as they share their passion for growing local communities, crops, and sustainable practices. Enjoy a delicious lunch from the Grateful Pie Company and explore the exhibitors’ hall, featuring a curated selection of local food businesses and organizations showcasing their expertise, products, and services.
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Tara Newman of The Culinary Cottage
Molly Muchow of Verdant Hollow Farms
Paula Camp of Carriage House Ciders
PARTICIPATING VENDORS/ORGANIZATIONS:
Terra Queen Farm / Loafing with Brittney
Buchanan District Library - Seed Library
Michiana Unit of The Herb Society of America
SCHEDULE:
9:30AM ---------------------------------------
Doors open! - Please enter through Fernwood’s Visitors Center
10AM -----------------------------------------
Tara Newman - Owner at The Culinary Cottage - Saint Joseph, MI
Experience a live pasta making demonstration as you hear how a passion for teaching led a trained Chef and KitchenAid Recipe Crafter to open a cooking school that inspires confidence, connection, and community in the kitchen.
11AM ------------------------------------------
Molly Muchow - Farm Manager at Verdant Hollow Farms - Buchanan, MI
Find out how and why three city dwellers created a thriving regenerative farm and creamery in the heart of Southwest Michigan focused on holistic practices, animal welfare, and the willingness to get their hands dirty.
12PM -----------------------------------------
Lunch - Provided by The Grateful Pie Company
1PM ------------------------------------------
Paula Camp - Owner at Carriage House Ciders - Benton Harbor, MI
Learn how a former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic’s interview with Jacques Pépin sparked a love for European-style ciders and led to the transformation of a 137-year-old carriage house into a modern-day craft cidery.
Audience: Teens-adults
Cost: $60 ($48 members) - Please register by February 25
EVENT SPONSOR
BONUS! Check out the Edible Horticulture 2026 video playlist on Fernwood's YouTube channel! Hear from each of the featured speakers and learn why local partnerships are so important.