With Fork Fest just hours away, we wanted to send a few tips for you to make the most of your time at the event.
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1) Come hungry. With samples from over 40 food vendors, there is an abundance of food to try! Trust us – you’ll want to wear your eating pants.
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n2) Dress warm. The weather in the greenhouse is similar to the climate outside, so bundle up and wear comfy shoes for walking on a cement floor.
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3) Park at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (directly across Romence Gardens), and Third Reformed Church (adjacent to Romence Gardens), or Romence Gardens (if you can snag a spot). Romence Gardens & Greenhouses is located at 265 Lakeside Drive NE, Grand Rapids 49503.
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n4) Buy tickets in advance to skip the line, but you can show up at the door for tickets as well, at the same price ($30).
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n5) Grab a lanyard map when you walk in. This will show you all the important things you need to know (like where the bars, seating, and restrooms are), and also features a list of who’s in each greenhouse. You can check off businesses as you go – and write down your favorites to try again later!
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n6) Be curious. You have an amazing opportunity to talk with the business owners and food purveyors behind your favorite farms, coffee shops, food products, and restaurants! Strike up a conversation – you won’t regret it.
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n7) Get social. Our hashtag for the event is #GRForkFest. You can also join the fun by snapping a picture with the disposable cameras we’ll have lying around the greenhouses, which will be posted on Facebook next week.
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n8) Pick your poison. Drinks will be available for $5 at registration and each bar, with choices from Brewery Vivant (Farm Hand, Triomphe, and Pumpkin Tart), Vander Mill cider (Totally Roasted, Blue Gold, and Hard Apple), and Fenn Valley Vineyards (Capriccio and Riesling).
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n9) Feel good. Know that you’re supporting our local economy and Local First’s efforts to support and develop our local food system.
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n10) Have fun! Enjoy our wonderful musicians (Fauxgrass Quartet), the lovely greenhouse decor (courtesy of Romence Gardens), and delicious food from awesome local businesses (see full list of food vendors).
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Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Twisted Rooster & Crooked Goose, and the following sponsors, for your support!
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