On Saturday, members of the Indiana Wesleyan University community and citizens of Grant County attended a harvest party hosted at Wildcat Farm’s north campus.
This season’s farm manager John Michelotti said, “The harvest party is for gathering the community together and exposing people to what we do, giving a space for vendors to sell food and crafts, give people a place to celebrate harvest time and for people to try our produce.”
Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy, Wildcat Farm director, said she hoped the event would help members of the IWU campus know about the campus farm, bring the community together and allow IWU and Marion community members to have a fun night enjoying produce and beautiful weather.
People in attendance had the option to purchase produce, popcorn from IWU students and food from Pappies Smokehouse & Lunch Box food truck. They also had opportunities to play yard games, color pictures and buy baked goods from vendor Crystal Richardson.
Grant county community member Teresa Peterson attended the event with her family. She said she enjoyed playing cornhole and reconnecting with her oldest son who recently began attending IWU.
IWU President Dr. Jon Kulaga and first lady Lena Kulaga attended the party as well.
“I am a Kansas farm girl,” Lena Kulaga said. “So I grew up working the fields and being outside with nature. And so this coming out to the garden feels a little bit like home. And I love it. I love fresh produce. I love what Jennifer Noseworthy is doing. So we just wanted to come support it.”
Dr. Jon Kulaga said he appreciated the hands-on learning approach that the farm offers students.
“I think it’s great to come out and see what IWU does,” Lena Kulaga said. “It’s so hidden and tucked back here. So many people don’t even realize we have the gardens. So I think it’s a great way to expose them to what we have.”
Michelotti said the event provides educational value for attendees regarding the growth of sustainable produce.
“Some people don’t know everything that we’re growing,” Michelotti said, “like tomatillos or husk cherries, for example, are not really well known. So, it gives us an opportunity to be like, ‘Oh, this is what it is. Here’s how you cook with it. Here’s what it tastes like. Here’s my recommendations.’ So conversations happen when you gather the whole community together.”
Dr. Jennifer Noseworthy explains the name change from Alliance Gardens to Wildcat Farms.
