Readers Choice - The Meridian Star 2022 | Page 5

READERS ’ CHOICE BEST FESTIVAL EARTH ’ S BOUNTY

Submitted
On the first Saturday of the month , the grassy field called Singing Brakeman Park in downtown Meridian comes alive . Colorful tents start popping up all over the grass . Cars and trucks wind through the tents and people hop out of the vehicles , grabbing boxes full of food and other organically made products . In just about an hour , as the sun continues to rise , they ’ re ready . It ’ s time for another Earth ’ s Bounty Festival .
In 2010 , Meridian ’ s Main Street program took on a new mission — to find a way to promote the produce available from area farmers ; increase the demand for fresh , local produce and products ; and bring the community together with a unique event . Led by the vision of Main Street Director John McClure and area farmer and educator Andy Smith , Earth ’ s Bounty was born .
Now in its 11th year , Earth ’ s Bounty continues to evolve , offering popular products from seasoned vendors and always adding more vendors with new products and fresh ideas . Stroll from booth to booth and just enjoy the sights and sounds — Mr . Kidd bagging up tomatoes , corn , peppers and other produce as fast as he can ; Jack cooking up samples of his delectable sausage ; Kathy popping
the lid on her freezer to retrieve some freshly made goat milk ice cream ; or the little girl at her family ’ s booth , shouting “ Fresh squeezed lemonade !”
Earth ’ s Bounty is a unique opportunity to pick up freshly made cupcakes , cookies and scones ; to grab some salsa or barbecue sauce for the next picnic ; to load up on produce that ’ s in season ; and to add freshly made bread , home-canned vegetable soup or handcrafted candles to your home . Even more than that , Earth ’ s Bounty is the place where you tap your toes to live music from local entertainers , stop to chat with friends , and watch the kids make chalk drawings on the sidewalk or paint faces on pumpkins . You can even get important health screenings conducted for free by Greater Meridian Health Clinic .
But even beyond all that , Earth ’ s Bounty is about community . Customers love the fresh and unique products , the lively entertainment , the children ’ s activities — all the things that weave together to form the festival . But , most of all , they love the chance to relax , chat with friends and just be a part of the festival atmosphere .
That ’ s community . That ’ s Earth ’ s Bounty . www . meridianstar . com
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