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Local produce, agriculture jobs highlight GCC's annual Harvest Festival and Farmers Market

by jmaloni

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Wed, Sep 11th 2013 07:00 am

Many local, handmade items available for purchase

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Nearly 200 Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming region high school students interested in careers in agriculture will visit Genesee Community College on Thursday, Oct. 10, for the second annual Harvest Festival and Farmer's Market. The event features presentations by a variety of professionals and a host of products available for purchase by visiting students, GCC students, faculty, staff and the whole community.

The farmers market vendors will be open from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and located in the central forum.

Students will learn about career options during 20-minute presentations by local professionals, including:

•Dr. Jerry Bertoldo, veterinarian

•Jim Doan, beekeeper

•Christy Hoepting, vegetable specialist

•Mike Stanyard, entomologist

•Tristan Zuber, dairy specialist

These presentations will run concurrently from 9:30-11 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m., and are open to the public, as well. In addition, nearly 20 different programs/organizations will have displays set up in the central forum from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to be explored by students following the presentations. Lastly, children and animal enthusiasts will be delighted by the small animal "meet-and-greet" hosted by students from GCC's veterinary technology club and located on the east lawn of the campus.

"Last year's Harvest Festival was a huge success for everyone involved. It is a fun, yet informative way for the students and the community-at-large to see and appreciate all the programs and career opportunities that exist within agriculture in our region," said Debbie Dunlevy, GCC Career Pathways program director and festival organizer. "The petting zoo, networking opportunities and the farmers market are perfect for an autumn day. It's a great time to visit GCC."

The festival's farmers market is open to all from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

"We have a nice variety of vendors who will be selling their wares," Dunlevy said. "So, don't forget your wallet!"

Locally grown fruits and vegetables, maple products, soaps and fiber art items will be featured during the market. Vendors who plan to attend include:

•GCC CEO Club - Scholar's Brand of products (apple cider syrup, "Cougar Crunch")

•Grateful Hearts Creation - wool, yarn,

•Harper Hill Farms/Darien - goat's milk soaps

•Harrington's/Batavia - vegetables and fruits

•Hill 'n Hollow Farm/Pavilion - fruit vinegars, chutneys and sauces

•Hofheins Maple/Attica - maple products

•Karen's Yarn, Paper, Scissors/Batavia - quality yarns, paper, extras

•Roanoke Apple Farm/Stafford - apples

For more information, contact Dunlevy at 585-343-0055 ext. 6316, or [email protected].

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