Empire hosts 16th annual Asparagus Festival

From staff reports

The third weekend of May marks the annual Asparagus Festival in Empire. Each spring the Empire Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival to celebrate the arrival of spring––and the asparagus crop––with local food, beer, and music on Front Street in the village. Tickets to the event are $5 for adults. Children 16 and under are free. 

The event kicks off at 7 pm on Friday, May 17, with a pig roast hosted by Art’s Tavern under the tent on Front Street. Doors open at 6:30 pm and entrance for Friday night is $5. The fun continues on Saturday, starting at 10 am with the annual Kick Yer Ass-paragus 5K Fun Run/Walk. An asparagus recipe contest, hosted by Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, will take place at the town hall at noon, followed by the “Ode to the Asparagus” poetry contest and reading at 2 pm. The poetry contest is hosted by the Glen Lake Community Library. The Empire Area Museum will be open house from 1-4 pm.

Throughout the day on Saturday, food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase under the tent on Front Street. Right Brain Brewery will be among the local breweries present at the festival, returning again with Spear Beer, their seasonal asparagus ale. Local bands will provide live music throughout the event, capped off by The Benzie Playboys at 8 pm on Saturday evening. The festival concludes at 10 pm. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Volunteer opportunities are available, and volunteers receive free admission to the festival, along with a t-shirt and drink ticket. Volunteers can sign up here.

For a full list of bands and vendors who will be at the Asparagus Festival, visit the Empire Chamber of Commerce website or Facebook page.