Urban Triage will host its 5th annual Harvest Festival, a free community celebration expected to draw nearly 3,000 people to the farm, on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 3-8 p.m. at the Farley Center for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability in Verona.
This year’s theme, “More Than a Harvest: Black Soil, Bold Futures,” reflects what has grown around Urban Triage’s agriculture work over the past five years, according to a press release from the nonprofit. The organization now grows and distributes fresh produce, provides agricultural education, creates opportunities for people to harvest food themselves and brings thousands of community members together each year to celebrate on the land.
Urban Triage is also developing future produce distribution partnerships with the Wisconsin FoodShed and Grandad’s Farm Stop. Both facilities are still under development, with more information expected as they prepare to open.
The agricultural work will be on full display at Harvest Festival, but the day is also about bringing people together for food, family, culture, music and joy.
“Nearly 3,000 people gather at the farm each year, and the festival is designed so families can spend the entire afternoon there without having to pay for admission, food, entertainment or children’s activities,” Urban Triage said in a press release announcing the event. “For children and families, the farm will be packed with things to do: bouncy houses, face painting, bubbles, a hands-on tightrope activity, drum making, a drum circle, a magic show, activities with Madison Children’s Museum, cotton candy, popcorn and a caramel apple table.”
Throughout the farm, guests will also encounter stilt walkers, aerialists and jugglers. The entertainment lineup will include African drummers and dancers, Milwaukee band Cigarette Break, a DJ, spoken word performances and line dancing.
Free food will be available throughout the day, along with fresh produce. Complimentary beer and wine will also be available for adults. Local vendors and entrepreneurs will be onsite offering goods and services.
The Farley Center for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability is located at 2299 Spring Rose Road in Verona.
