Locally sourced food, artists, businesses and nonprofits are the fabric of every community. Last Sunday, the Souderton-Telford Business and Professional Women's Foundation held its 6th annual Locally Grown Showcase at Upper Salford Park.

Chesapeake Valley Farm: Bre Detwiler.  Bre and her husband Noah are 4th generation farmers that raise animals for high quality healthy meat. They also grow produce and have a bakery at The Market at Chesapeake Valley Farm in Telford

            The event connects the community with local farms, producers of natural and homemade goods, local service organizations and nonprofits. It highlights the amazing business and products available in the area.

            "We wanted our neighbors to know where they can turn to for support but who they can show support to as well," said Diana Trotter, an organizer for the event.

Snicklefritz Cidery: Left to Right Cori Capps, Kyle and Linda Whittaker. Kelly Whittaker, daughter of Kyle and Linda, is David Urffer's girlfriend and supporter of the cider endeavor. David and Kelly were unable to attend the showcase on Sunday. Kelly's parents and Cori, who works in the bakery at Pappy's orchard, stepped in to bring the delightful cider to the masses

            "The money raised at Locally Grown Showcase will help us provide scholarships to Souderton Area High School and Montgomery County Community College. It also goes towards local nonprofits we support and education programs we have for our members."

            The Showcase started in 2017. Trotter explained that when the event moved the activities outside, Upper Salford Park was a great fit because Upper Salford Township promotes community and locally sourced food and business. 

            "The Upper Salford Park and township has been a blessing to work with since moving the event outside. We appreciate their enthusiasm and support." 

Country Creek Winery: Joy Klein.  Joy tends to a vineyard that grows and produces a variety of wines. Country Creek Winery is located in Telford. They offer tastings and live music in a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.

            The Upper Salford Firehouse Fry Trailer was also at the event. Volunteers from the firehouse, prep potatoes, fry and serve patrons hot delicious fries. The Fry Trailer has been in service for 30 years, beginning its run at the Folk Fest.

            Chairman Kevin O'Donnell was in charge of preparing the potatoes for frying. "Serving delicious firehouse fries and as an ambassador for the Upper Salford Volunteer Fire Company," said O'Donnell.

Upper Salford Firehouse Fry Trailer:  Volunteers Left to Right. Firehouse Fry Trailer started serving fries at the Philadelphia Folk Fest. It now travels around to different venues serving fries, hot dogs and sometimes funnel cake.  Left to right, Sean O'Donnell, Mandy Capaldi, Kevin O'Donnell, Alex Frazier, and Brian Kriebel

            Proceeds support the fire company.

            There are many exhibitors to visit, learn from and support at the event. Downtown Scoop, Waffle Mama food truck, and the Hatfield Plant Lady just to name a few.  There were many vendors selling handmade jewelry, woodwork, art and other crafts.

            Snicklefritz Cidery, located in Coopersburg, uses many of its own homegrown apples for its ciders. They are hand-picked and processed at the orchard.

            David Urffer, the founder of the Cidery, studied the process in Wales. He then came back and then started using his grandparents' apples from Pappy's Orchard.

            Kelly Whittaker helps and supports this endeavor. Her parents, Linda and Kyle Whittaker, were promoting the cider on Sunday along with Cori Capps, who works in the bakery at the orchard.

            There are cider tastings at the orchard. Bottles can also be purchased at the bakery that has been open for almost 17 years.

            Joy Klein, from Country Creek Winery, offered tastings of her wine and bottles for sale. The winery is located in Telford, They offer tastings with yummy eats and live music. You can find a list of events on their Facebook page. Joy is a delight and will serve you delicious local wine with a warm smile.

            Farming is an intrinsic aspect of our area and beyond. Living Hope Farm, in Harleysville, is a community-supported agriculture nonprofit. They grow over 100 varieties of fruits and veggies. In addition, they sell pasture-raised eggs and poultry products.

            Sam Chronister has been working at the farm for eight years after starting out as an intern. He is now the farm manager and oversees the daily operations of the farm.

            Jessica Geyer has been a member for 10 years and began volunteering for the organization three years ago.

            Sam and Jessica showcased fresh strawberries, greens, roots vegetables and plants grown at the farm.

            Bre Detwiler, from Detwiler Family Farms, had a stand with meat from the animals they raise. She and her husband raise, process and sell beef, chicken and pork. The meat is fresh and raised without unnecessary chemicals. When you buy their products, you will know where your food is coming from. Their products can be found at The Market at Chesapeake Valley in Telford.

            In addition to locally sourced food and drink, homemade goods were also highlighted. Amanda Shoemaker makes all-natural skincare products and goat milk soap. Everything is made in small batches at their farm. The Shoemaker Homestead Soap & Co. offers lotions, lip balms, soaps and other goodies.

            Shoemaker noted, "When you support a small business you are directly supporting that family."

            The Locally Grown Showcase is a family and community event. It is a great way to learn about and support local businesses, farms and organizations. The event supports eating clean, buying local, and giving back to the community.

            Check out this event next year, you won't be disappointed.