CSA Farm Party

On Saturday, September 11th, we headed out to our CSA's Farm Party. We missed the party Memorial Day, so we were excited we could make this one. There was a farm tour, BBQ potluck and bonfire. Schreiber and Sons Farm is in Eltopia, just outside of Pasco. It is 156 acres, which makes it tiny, according to the farmer, Allan Schreiber. We loaded up on tractors and hay to tour the farm. They have organic land, conventional land, and lots of research land. Research is where they make all of their money. The farmer has a PhD in entomology from WSU, and used to teach there as well. I guess that makes him Dr. Farmer Schreiber. He started the CSA for fun, and this year, there are 353 members. We saw where they make our boxes up. He told us a lot of interesting things about the culture of the Mexican workers they use. They have been using the same family, from near Guadalajara, for almost 20 years. They have their own space on the farm to grow peppers and things to sell at farmers markets and the flea market in Pasco. They grow peppers that are 100x hotter than jalapenos...and would send us gringos to the hospital:)

We toured all the fun pumpkins we will be getting! They are growing Casey a giant pumpkin (50+ pounds), and we will get the cool gooseflesh pumpkins that look like they have warts, Indian corn and squash and pumpkins of all sizes. Makes me look forward to fall:) Casey took a little nap during the farm tour...I tell you that kid can sleep anywhere!They BBQ'd chicken, turkey and duck on a huge BBQ thing. Everyone brought a side dish. Even though we were last to get our food, there was still plenty. While in line, Casey provided the entertainment...by laughing at everyone who looked at him. People would laugh back and that makes him laugh even harder. He is quite the comedian. We got many comments on how he was the happiest baby they had ever seen, and they had never seen a baby laugh that much. That's our boy!We also were able to grab a bunch more veggies and watermelon, cantaloupe and apples to bring home.

We didn't stick around for the bonfire and smores, we had been on the go since 6am, and while Casey had been a trooper all day, he needed to get to bed! We loved the party, and seeing how our food is grown, and hearing all the statistics and thought that goes into running a farm. It was fascinating to me. They had a huge turn out, so many people and their families and kids playing together. It was a really neat experience. I can't wait for the next one!