Once known as "the asparagus capital of the world," western Massachusetts is still home to hundreds of working farms and many more locally-owned restaurants and breweries. This June, New England Public Media celebrates the spirit (or, perhaps, "spearit") of the local movement with the return of its Asparagus Festival, intended to "celebrate all things local and agricultural."

NEPM Asparagus Festival is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted which will directly benefit public media throughout western New England region.

Schedule of Events

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Valley Grass & Family Fun

Many Pioneer Valley natives recall early childhood mornings spent picking stalky, tipped vegetables before school. This was the asparagus harvest, and it plays an integral role in the history of western New England. Children of all ages will reconnect with that history and culture in a number of ways with an assortment of games and activities like Valley Scramble and the Asparagus Valley Pick Game. The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association's Jurassic Roadshow will teach kids about the geologic history of the region and stagecoach rides to the nearby Hadley Farm Museum will be on offer.

At noon, award-winning bilingual artist, author, activist, educator, and Amherst College grad Mister G and the Global Citizen Ensemble with Marcos Carreras, director of music at the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts Magnet School perform.

And, of course, no public media event would be complete without a visit from PBS Kids characters. This year, Curious George and Nature Cat will be on hand to pose for photos with children.

The NEPM education team will have a booth filled with PBS Kids related activities and information.

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Beers And Spears

The "Beers and Spears" tent will provide tasting opportunities from White Lion Brewing, Abandoned Building Brewery, New City Brewery, Amherst Brewing, Building 8, and other local breweries and cider makers. Visitors can purchase and food refreshments from Holyoke Hummus Company, Esselon Café, the Baby Berk food truck, Snappy Dog, Vibesman's **** Shack, Deans Beans, Crooked Stick Pop, Maple Valley Creamery, Jaju Pierogi, Sun Kim Bop, and Cocina Lupita. In addition, there will be crafts, local food products and agricultural vendors at the Farmers & Makers Market (10 a.m. -3 p.m.).

12:30 p.m. - Chefs" Spearit Lunch

Enjoy asparagus like you"ve never tasted! The Chefs" Spearit Lunch is a charming outdoor dining experience with dazzling asparagus-based dishes "spearheaded" by some of the Valley"s most talented and innovative chefs.

It starts with tidbits from the UMass University Club & Restaurant and hand-crafted beer from Building 8. Then, guests will sit down to a succession of courses prepared by local chefs — Andrew Brow from Jackalope in Springfield and Highbrow Woodfired Kitchen in Northampton, Michelangelo Westcott from Wine Witch in Northampton and Gypsy Apple in Shelburne Falls, and UMass Dining Executive Chef Alex Ong. Each course will be paired with wines and libations from Provisions. Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased at nepm.org/asparagus.

3-7 p.m.: Toe-Tapping Music

Musicians selected by Northampton-based Signature Sounds — including western Massachusetts native Kimaya Diggs, Montreal-based Mamselle Ruiz, and Boston"s Session Americana — will perform on the "Rooted in the Valley" stage.

Date: June 4, 2022

Time: 10:00am to 7:00pm

Cost: Free

Location:
Hadley Town Common,
Route 9 Russell Street,
Hadley, MA 01035.

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