Here is some information on a neat event/fundraiser hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth — the write-up below was provided by student coordinator Marisa Kingsbury.

UMD’s Farm Fest is happening Saturday, September 17th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Land Lab, 3566 Riley Road, Duluth MN 55803. A fundraiser event, a “not quite a 5K” fun run will be held at 10:30 AM and end at their 10th annual Farm Festival. 

The farm fest fun run check in will be at 10AM and the course will start and end at the UMD Land Lab. It explores the field and research center by racing past the upper and lower fields, root cellar, orchard, trails, and more. 

Runners pay a $15 fee (with a $10 rate for students) that covers their registration and a food ticket with their entry to enjoy a community meal of ratatouille prepared by UMD’s Dining Services using Land Lab produce. 

There are first, second, and third place prizes at stake for participants. First place winners will receive a gift certificate, box of vegetables and a t-shirt or tote bag. Second place winners will receive a box of vegetables and a t-shirt or tote bag.  Third place runners will receive one box of vegetables or a t-shirt, or tote bag.

Registration prior to the event is available through 5pm on Friday, September 16th, with limited registration morning of. Link for registration can be found on the UMD Land Lab facebook as well as on the QR code provided on their poster. 

The 10th annual Farm Festival is a free event that is being held rain or shine. There’s also a free shuttle for UMD students that departs from Kirby Bus Hub at 11AM, 1PM, and 2PM, with returning shuttles throughout the event.

Food tickets at the event are being sold for $5 for students, $10 for individuals, and kids under 10 are free. Participants will also enjoy music by local band: Lovehouse, a farmer and maker’s market, mushroom workshop, farmer speakers and storytelling, and games.

UMD Land Lab and Students for Lake Superior Sustainable Farming are fundraising through sales of vegetables, seed garlic, candles made from wax from their apiary, t-shirts, stickers and face painting. Money raised will go towards undergraduate research opportunities and produce distribution in the community.

Farm Fest showcases the Land Lab as a community and academic resource.

Teresa Bertossi, assistant professor and Land Lab director, says her team’s goal is creating a sustainable food system that meets the needs of all students and residents. “The Land Lab is a space for undergraduate research opportunities and internships through research and action that links agricultural production with food justice and food sovereignty, and a space where students and community members engage in active learning based on the unique ecology of Northeast Minnesota.”