Tue Sep 10 16:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Doubting Thomas Farm Hosts “Our Local Plate: Farm Fest & Market” This Saturday

**Moorhead, MN** – Doubting Thomas Farms in Moorhead is hosting its annual “Our Local Plate: Farm Fest & Market” this Saturday, September 14th, offering a day filled with hands-on learning experiences and celebrations of local, organic agriculture.

The event, which has evolved over the years, remains focused on connecting people to the land and understanding where their food comes from. “I hope it’s a connection back to nature, back to the farm,” said Noreen Thomas, owner of Doubting Thomas Farms. “A way to slow down and enjoy life.”

This year’s festival features a diverse lineup of activities, including:

* **Kitchen Demonstration with Beth Dooley:** Renowned cookbook author and food columnist Beth Dooley will kick off the day with a breakfast shakshuka demonstration inspired by her book, “The Perennial Kitchen: Simple Recipes for a Healthy Future.”
* **Foraging Expedition and Cooking Demo with Candace Stock:** Fargo chef Candace Stock, known for highlighting her Indigenous heritage in her cuisine, will lead a foraging expedition through the farm followed by a cooking demo.
* **Farm Tour and Local Food Discussion:** Thomas will guide guests on a tour of her certified organic farm, highlighting their dedication to growing heritage grains and diverse crops, and discussing ways to incorporate local produce into school menus.
* **Farm Fest & Market:** The market features local vendors, including a 9-year-old selling homemade lip balm, offering a platform for small-scale producers and hobby farmers.
* **Family-Friendly Activities:** Kids can interact with farm animals, enjoy a barrel train ride, participate in a scavenger hunt, and engage in farm-inspired arts and games.

Dooley, a staunch advocate for local and sustainable food systems, praises Doubting Thomas Farms for their commitment to organic practices and their contributions to the Fargo restaurant scene. “They’re embracing heritage grains, oats, barley, and wheat that aren’t often part of our diet,” she said, highlighting the environmental benefits of their diverse crop rotation.

“We’re losing so much topsoil into the rivers, and it carries with it all of these agricultural chemicals,” she added, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices.

The event concludes with a shared enthusiasm for local food and a reminder to appreciate the bounty of the season. “When people walk away with a fond memory of a farm or learn something that sticks with them, walking away with a good experience is success to me,” Thomas said.

**Our Local Plate: Farm Fest & Market** takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Doubting Thomas Farm in Moorhead. Registration is required in advance, with tickets ranging from $15 to $55. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/OurLocalPlate.

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