Hungry Harps: Placer County PlacerGROWN Week & a Delicious Local Giveaway

If you live in Placer County, California {or surrounding areas} you have probably heard of PlacerGROWN, an awesome source for discovering the finest, freshest agricultural products - all locally grown and raised in Placer County. If you haven't heard of PlacerGROWN - they are the community's connection to the latest info on Farmers' Markets, Wineries, Local Farmers and Events {from foodie festivals to farm & barn tours}. PlacerGROWN is doing a wonderful thing for the community and their mission says it all:

"Our mission is to connect Placer County’s residents and visitors with the local family farmers, ranchers and vintners whose passion is to produce the finest fruits, vegetables, meats and other agricultural products the region has to offer. Through community outreach, events and the collaborative efforts of Placer County and local businesses, our goal is to make known the abundance and quality of food and wine that we’re proud to say is PlacerGROWN."

So, why am I telling you about this awesome organization? Because this upcoming Saturday, October 5th, the festivities begin for PlacerGROWN's PlacerGROWN Week - a celebration of everything grown in Placer County!! There will be festivals, tours, wine tastings, live music, sheep dog demonstrations and SO much more!

I recently had the opportunity to visit a Placer County farm, Sinclair Family Farm, for a farm tour, delicious lunch {made with PlacerGROWN ingredients!} and to learn a bit more about PlacerGROWN.

The Sinclair Family Farm I visited is located in Ophir, CA {a boomtown of the California Gold Rush} and let me tell you - the scenery was BEAUTIFUL! Oh my gosh, pack my bags and move me to the country. I promise to never complain about the bugs, smell or cow patties. I promise!!

Ok, enough daydreaming of my future country life - back to the Sinclair Family Farm. On the farm, they naturally raise pasture raised Lamb, Beef, Chicken and Pork and Cage Free Pasture Raised Eggs. {which can be purchased, Monday-Friday, at 7209 Church Street in Penryn, CA.} They also offer a Meat Buyers Club where you can order locally produced meat and eggs as well as in season fruits and vegetables, bread, honey, sauces, seasonings and cheese. All the information is on their site, along with some more goodies - such as pictures and a "make you smile" back story.

To celebrate PlacerGROWN Week, the Sinclair Family Farm will have a sheep dog demonstration, a local artist (Western art) and farm tour. I also heard a rumor that there may be piglets nearby for the kiddos to check out! This will take place on October 13th {1:00-5:00 p.m.} as part of the PlacerGROWN Farm & Barn Tour. The Farm & Barn Tour is a FREE self-guided expedition of 12 farms, ranches, and vineyards in Placer County. If you live in the area, I would totally suggest to go check it out. It's nice to get out in the fresh air, away from all the concrete and buildings. Heck, even if it's a bit of a drive - do it!

A couple other fun events during PlacerGROWN Week are the Harvest Festival and the Auburn Wine & Food Festival. For more information on these events check out PlacerGROWN's PlacerGrown Week page on their site.

To kick the party off a little early, there is an awesome giveaway of fresh, local food and wine prizes from Placer County - and I am one of several hosts!! Check it out and stake your claim in the chance to win. :)

Here are the prizes: