Northeast Iowa – Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) is
holding a daylong rolling workshop, “Growing Your Story: How to Create
Authentic Farm Experiences,” on Friday, May 30, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. The workshop will explore agritourism operations in northeast Iowa,
departing and returning from the Waterloo Center for the Arts in Waterloo.
Growth in agritourism is fueled by a growing demand from consumers for
authentic, interpersonal experiences, as well as eco-conscious individuals
looking for seasonal, locally grown food. The daylong workshop will address a
range of issues that northeast Iowa farmers should answer to determine if
agritourism could add value to their farm. They will also find out why travelers are
interested in their story and how to make sustainable tourism a part of their farm.
Participants will hear firsthand from three unique farmers about how and
why they are involved in the tourism industry. The workshop will include tours of
the Stor-Del Dairy, a 1000-herd dairy in rural Fredericksburg; Farm House Bed &
Breakfast and Winery; and TAKO, an 800-acre outdoor learning classroom along
the Dick Jensen Trail in Clermont. All while traveling in the luxury of a
motorcoach to maximize networking opportunities.
“This is a great opportunity if you are thinking about getting into
agritourism or have been doing it for awhile and want to see other examples,”
commented Don Short, SSNHA President.
Pre-registration is required and due by May 21, with a limit of 50
registrants. The registration fee is $55 per person affiliated with a designated
SSNHA site and $69 per person for all other participants. Registration forms
available online at www.silosandsmokestacks.org.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 37 federally
designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National
Park Service. The Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of
Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the
west. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm
life, agribusiness and rural communities – past and present.
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