Goodbye from Orchard Observations

By Megan Humphre

Sadly, this will be my final Orchard Observations column. It’s my last season with Shelburne Orchards.

I have greatly enjoyed my past 14 years, so I’d like to wax poetic for a moment. With Nick Cowles at the helm, the staff at the orchard is the nicest group of people with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure to work. It was a joyful challenge to plan events and creatively promote the good things happening there annually. And Shelburne Orchards is clearly one of the most gorgeous places in the universe.

When I started at the orchard, Vermont was on the cutting edge of farmers trying to get people to head to their farms for food and fun. Nick said, “Megan, do you think you can get people here to the farm instead of us packing out apples for stores?” I gulped and told him I’d do my best. Frankly, I was skeptical. Since then, many farms have developed the same intent. Music and food and laughter can be found at farms and food festivals all over the state.

Our first Small Farms Food Fest in 2001, organized by Marcela Piño, had about 8 farms represented, 100 people in attendance and was very subdued in the wake of the 911 sadness. Last year, we estimate that there were at least 4,000 attendees enjoying the 30 farm and food vendors as well as 6 live bands. Customers have realized that a farm is a delightful place to spend some time. And while they’re there enjoying the scenery and food, folks are also learning about the internal workings of a farming endeavor.

Thank you, Nick Cowles, for the generous opportunity to promote the importance of farms and food production in Vermont, acquire new skills and utilize known ones and expand my circle of some very special friends and acquaintances. Special thanks to my other half, Terry Hotaling, for suggesting me for the job long ago. And thank you to Shelburne News for letting me crow about it.