Focusing on “community made, community grown,” the Michigan Harvest Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center.   The free family-oriented celebration features local vendors of food and agricultural products, demonstrations, activities and a keynote presentation at 1 p.m. by Lisa Diggs, founder of Buy Michigan Now.
   
Nearly 20 vendors will offer a variety of items grown or produced locally, from Alpaca wool (and the actual animals to pet) to vinegar.  Highlights include:

• Belledine’s BBQ Sauce – St. Clair Shores resident Mariam Brown and a student at Macomb Community College, who started an Internet enterprise based on her grandmother’s barbeque sauce recipe, will offer samples
 
• Fastoria Bread Factory (Fastoria) – Macomb Culinary Institute graduate Ed Zubick will be providing samples of his breads
 
• Champagne Chocolates (Mount Clemens) – Will feature Chef Francois Faloppa of Macomb Culinary Institute, roasting cocoa beans and offer samples of almond butter toffee

• RC Organic Farms (Lenox Township) – Will take orders for organic Thanksgiving turkeys

There will be a holiday craft – making turkey hats – for children, and the exhibit area featuring artwork, educational displays, historical artifacts and video presentations will also be open.

“Since its opening in September, the Michigan’s Harvest program series has offered an in-depth look into our rich agricultural heritage,” said Christine Guarino, director of cultural affairs, Macomb Community College.  “As we draw the program series to a close, the Michigan Harvest Festival offers the opportunity to both discover and celebrate great local products."

Lorenzo Cultural Center

The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.LorenzoCultural Center.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community’s heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment.  Located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
 
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