[CH] Bowers Chile Festival

=Mark (mstevens@exit109.com)
Thu, 12 Aug 1999 09:28:54 -0400 

Here is a word on the Bowers fest from "George"

This event started about five years ago as a "Chile Pepper Field 
Excursion" weekend featuring at least 150 different varieties of hot 
peppers and about 4500 plants. It gives you the opportunity to go out in 
the field and pick your own peppers. Once in the field you may also eat all 
you can. It gives one the chance to see the different kinds of peppers and 
taste them on the spot and decide if they are worth picking and buying or 
even growing yourself. You won't find this kind of selection at the local 
market. The farm also sells hot pepper products, such as jellies, sauces, 
powders, etc. The farm, which is run by an Old-Order Mennonite, is open 
both Friday and Saturday. 
Three years ago, a decision was made to increase the amount and variety of 
food, which was being offered to the attendees. However, it was felt that 
the pepper farm didn't have enough available space to accomodate an 
expanded food vendor area. So they moved the food vendors 1/4 mile down the 
road into Bowers and this event has grown bigger each year. They do offer a 
wide variety of hot food and also sell hot pepper products. Live, local 
entertainment is also provided. There is a fee for parking here and this 
event is Saturday only. You will find a wide assortment of hot food.
I think that there were about 3,000 people there last year. Some come from 
Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and western Pennsylvania. Most 
will visit both the pepper field and the food festival and one will see a 
lot of the same faces every year. I discovered this place four years ago 
and became friendly with the organizers. In fact, the Mennonite farmer has 
become a very good friend and help out (as an unpaid volunteer) in the 
field. Last year I did the weighing at the pepper field and will probably 
do the same this year.
Only you can decide if it's worth the trip. It's a golden opportunity to 
see a lot of different hot peppers growing and discover how they taste. A 
lot of knowledgeable people visit the farm and along with the farmer are 
available for questions. The food part in Bowers is also worth a visit. If 
you decide to come, I can provide you with detailed directions.





                    =Mark "Runs With Scissors" Stevens

                @ http://www.exit109.com/~mstevens @
                                  @ ICQ# 2059548 @

                Where ya' from?
                                             Jersey.
                                                          Yeah?  What exit?