Foodie Fests
Menomonie celebrates pickles and salsa
If you are one who loves perusing farmers markets, checking out unique artisan work, or doing any of the other satisfying activities that are possible when you wake up before noon on Saturday mornings, you’re likely to enjoy a festivals coming later this summer. You’re also in luck if you’ve been perfecting your pickle or salsa recipes: The Menomonie Farmers Market is hosting two festivals later this summer during which folks from within a 30-mile radius of Menomonie will be able to display and sell their pickle- and salsa-related entries. The Oh, Pickles! Festival will be Saturday, July 22, while Salsa Fest will be Saturday, Aug. 19. Both festivals will run 10:30am-12:30pm. Entry is free for Menomonie Farmers Market vendors, while there is a $15 fee for outside applicants. The festivals are free to attend if you aren’t entering a recipe. All participants need to bring at least two samples for the festival: one for display and one for sampling. Vendors are also able to sell their products, granted they have the proper licenses and permits. (Fie the rules and regulations at menomoniefam.org.) The events will be held at Wilson Park, where you can check out the brand-new timber frame pavilion. And if you can’t make one of the fests but still want to check out the farmers market, it’s open 11am-6pm Wednesdays and 8am-1pm Saturdays through Oct. 21.