Fall Food Swap at Amber Waves Farm
Most of us haven’t actually swapped or bartered items since we were sitting at an elementary lunch table trading a cookie for a brownie.
But one local upcoming event will allow participants to do just that, trade their own homemade goods for someone else’s homemade goods.
The Fall Food Swap is hosted by Amber Waves Farm Boutique, which boasts a farm location and a boutique on Main Street.
“This event is called the Food Swap, however think of it as more of an exchange of all things handmade, hand foraged or homemade; like the good old holiday cookie exchange! You bring the exact amount of the same product as there are participants. Example: you bring 15 of the same product and leave with 15 different amazing creations,” said Amber Waves owner Melissa Corteen.
This is the third year of this unique event. Corteen said she got the idea from a friend who grew up in Kentucky.
“Often times this concept was utilized by families and neighboring residents in the Appalachian Mountain range. Families lived far from a town grocery store and or had little money to purchase enough groceries for large families. So they came up with the idea to share and or swap what they harvested, handmade or hand foraged (such as soap, canning goods, meats, eggs, plants/seeds, bake goods, horse shoes, etc.),” she said.
Corteen hopes people give the swap a try.
“It’s a great way to start your weekend. Sipping hot cider, engaging in chatter with ‘new’ friends on a rural hobby farm. In all honesty there is something quite exciting about the anticipation of when you get home to view what goodies are in your box,” she said.
The event is more about the experience and enjoying what you have to share.
“I think EVERY person has a skill. We all cannot be good at EVERYTHING, but everyone has something special to offer,” Corteen said.
“This event is meant to be simple and fun. So many customers I encounter tell me, ‘I don’t have a skill or do anything special.’ I completely disagree! I often tell people to think about their everyday. Do you bake, do you can goods, create your own bath and body, maybe sew or create handmade cards or grow beautiful flowers,” she said.
To participate in this celebration of homemade items, you do need to register by September 20. No money exchange is allowed, only goods. Participants may not purchase anything. All items should be valued around $10 maximum.
Examples of items to swap are candles, soaps, tomato sauces, farm fresh eggs, syrup, honey, seasonal veg./fruit, baked goods, wine, liquors, jams, pre-packaged ingredients for bake goods, pickles, cheese, extracts, sourdough starter, plants, seeds you harvested. Knitted and sewn items.
All participants must arrive between 10 and 10:30 a.m. to complete the swap. The event usually wraps up around noon. For more call or visit the website or Facebook page.
Corteen is excited for the participants, especially new ones, to unlock their own love for handmade items.
“I can’t really explain why I love all things handmade. It’s something that stirs excitement within my soul. Handmade is something that connects people on deeper level. These items are made with heart. I believe when someone buys or swaps with handmade that feeling of love and or excitement is transferred from one person to the next. It’s joyful to experience that,” she said.
What: Fall Food Swap
Where: Amber Waves Farm, 9021 Robin Rd, Marshfield.
When: Saturday October 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Register (by Sept 20): Call 715-384-6989 or visit website or Facebook page.
