Page 3 - May 2018 Newsletter

A G R I - T O U R I S M SAUK PRAIRIE STYLE

You may have heard a fairly new buzzword in the
Marketing/Tourism world lately, Agri-tourism. While this
term isn’t new, it sure hasn’t been a focus for many
businesses until recently. Agri-tourism is where agriculture
and tourism meet to provide the consumer with an amazing
educational experience. Farm tours, cheese making classes,
winery/brewery tours, farmers markets, and corn mazes are
just a few experiences that really drive home the agri-tourism
concept but its finding the small experiences that any
business could incorporate that really help make a community
well rounded in this craze that’s sweeping the nation.

It all stems from a culture of knowing where your food comes
from, entangled with craving a unique experience. There are
literally websites now that will help you, “Plan your
agri-tourism trip where your unique adventures await”, so how does Sauk Prairie hop on this bandwagon? In my mind
it’s easy. We already have so many of the tools right at our finger tips. Bigger cities have to really stretch to find ways
to incorporate the agri-tourism experience into their festivals and businesses but here in Sauk Prairie you most likely
already know a farmer or a gardener or a cheese maker! Here are a couple ideas to get you started…

• Invite a local producer to sell in front of your business.

• Own or work at a restaurant? You probably already use fresh local
ingredients, so tell your customers! Educate them!

• Host a farm-to-table dinner.

• Be a “pickup” host for your community CSA.

• Decorate for the season with local plants and be sure to mention you HWY 12
supported local.
market
• Feature fresh baked goods or fruits/veggies in your place of business.
• Sponsor an event that encompasses agri-tourism. LOCAL • FOOD • PRODUCE • CRAFTS
• Hosting an Agri-Art “gallery”.
• Host an artisan demonstration- soap making, handwoven accessories,

natural dying, working with or growing herbs.

The Chamber is making waves in the agri-tourism sector so we strongly suggest you hopping on board! Our first event
is the Hwy 12 Market that will be held in conjunction with June Tunes in Meyer Oak Grove Park every Tuesday in June.
This market is an outlet for locals to sell homegrown produce and goods. We also welcome plant and craft vendors that
have items to sell.

Another event that will be held this September is a Farm-to-Table dinner at Keller’s Kornucopia. This on the farm
experience will feature locally produced cheese, veggies, fruits, and meats. Casey Metcalf, the head chef at Vintage
Brewing Co., is teaming up with us, along with Carr Valley Cheese, Wyttenbach Meats, and Wollersheim Winery to
create a very unique dining experience on the farm.

People crave “experiences” so be sure to give them one, Sauk Prairie style.

MaCall Tourdot, Tourism Promotions Director
Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce