Asparagus is ripe in the land of the Sleeping Bear
Photo features Empire’s Asparagus Queen on stilts.
From staff reports
Empire’s quirky, fun, day-long Asparagus Festival returns to Leelanau County on Saturday, June 6. The day of peace, music and food offers something for everyone in the family.
Events include the Kick-Yer Ass-paragus 5K Fun Run/Walk at Empire’s public beach at 10 am; a pop-up book sale at the Glen Lake Community Library from 11 am-3 pm; a recipe contest in the Township Hall at noon; open hours at the Empire Area Museum from 1-4 pm; the Ode to Asparagus Poetry Contest at the Library at 2 pm; an appearance by the Asparagus Queen on Stilts from 2-4 pm, and the Magic Lady Family Magic Show from 3-4 pm.
The main party under the big tent on closed-off Front St runs from 12-6 pm. Asparagus delicacies made by local food vendors and drinks from local breweries will be available, complimented by live music performances by Zinnia Dungjen, Andre Villoch and 5th Gear Band.
Food vendors this year include Art’s Tavern, Plevas Meats, Shipwreck Café, Birria Taco Truck, Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs, Squeeze ‘Em Lemon Shack, Norconk’s Asparagus, and Lively NeighborFood Market. Right Brain Brewery, Lake Ann Brewery and St Ambrose Cellars will supply the drinks.
Admission to the street festival costs $10 per adult; children under 16 are free.
Click here to sign up for the Kick-Yer Ass-paragus Run/Walk.
Click here for an Asparagus recipe contest entry form, and email the completed form to jody@grocersdaughter.com. Those participating are encouraged to bring their asparagus dish and completed form to the Empire Town Hall between 11-11:45 am on June 6. Please bring enough to accommodate 100 bite size servings, typically a medium to large casserole is sufficient.
To submit poems for the Ode to Asparagus Poetry Contest, email dfd@glenlakelibrary.net at the Glen Lake Library, or just show up.
