MISSOURI VALLEY, Iowa -- The rolling Loess Hills and their fertile valleys will be the backdrop to the Aronia Berry Festival on Sept. 19 and 20 at Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm. The two-day event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and will highlight the aronia berry (chokeberry). Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm is located north of Missouri Valley – take Exit 82 off I-29 and follow the signs.
Eldon Everhart, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, will present information about aronia research being conducted by ISU, as well as sustainable organic commercial production, wildlife uses and home garden culture of aronia. The schedule for both days includes two offerings of Everhart’s presentations - at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. He also will be available to answer questions about aronia.
“Aronia berries contain very high levels of antioxidants – higher than grapes, elderberries, blueberries and other fruits,” said Everhart. “Research has shown that antioxidants help reduce the risks for cancer, heart disease, inflammations, diabetes, bacterial infections and neurological diseases. The benefits of the berry make it very popular and increase the profitability of an aronia business.”
Farm owners Cindy and Vaughn Pittz will treat visitors to plantation tours, aronia samples and sales, and festive entertainment. Works of local artisans also will be on display and for sale. Pittz will conduct tours of the aronia berry plantation throughout both day.
The Pittzes say they got involved in aronia berries as a small family project – then it snowballed. They have worked closely with Everhart the last six years to establish their crop and business. In conjunction with ISU Extension they hosted one-day field days for two years, then expanded the field day to a two-day festival two years ago. Hosting the field days and festivals gives them a way to spread the word about the fruit’s nutritional value and viability as a crop.
“We want to help build stronger, healthy rural communities that improve the lives of Americans through positive farming, gardening, local support and innovative thinking,” Pittz says on the Web site. “The two-day festival is a great way to gather and also bring exposure to local artisans and their work.”
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