The Carolina Farm Trust helps farmers acquire equipment, lease or purchase land, protect farmland from development, and through creative marketing campaigns.

As the state’s leading dairy producer, Iredell County is an ideal location for the Trust’s signature fundraiser, the Carolina Jubilee.

The Jubilee will feature live local music, farm-fresh cuisine, local breweries and more. The event is set for Sept. 29-30 at VanHoy Farms in nearby Harmony.

Zack Wyatt, Carolina Farm Trust and Jubilee founder, said that the organization was looking for an agricultural center that could bridge the divide between rural and urban life.

“There is (no place) better than North Iredell County,” he said. “(The Jubilee) brings the region together to celebrate Carolina agriculture and put a spotlight on Carolina businesses that utilize Carolina farms as part of their supply chains.”

Wyatt is thankful for the consistency and support of the Jubilee’s numerous vendors, including small business and agriculture-based vendors, vineyards, and breweries such as Primal Brewery and Fullsteam Brewery.

Heirloom Restaurant, a farm-to-table restaurant that features local vegetables, fruit, seafood, meat and beverages, will provide food for the event, featuring Chef Barlowe, along with Chef Harrison Littell, Chef Regan Stachler, and Chef Njathi Kabui. The food theme will revolve around an open fire.

A wide variety of performers will play at the Jubilee, including Friday-night’s headliner, Susto. and Saturday-night headliner Acoustic Syndicate. Other performers include Ellis Dyson and the Shambles, Shiloh Hill and the Chicken Coop Willaye Trio.

The Jubilee also will feature a 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run, sponsored by Iredell Health System. Races are held at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Tent and RV camping options will also be offered for the full duration of the festival. Attendee wishing to camp in an RV should contact VanHoy Farms.

This year, proceeds from the Jubilee will support the operating budget of the Carolina Farm Trust.

“We have gone as far as we can without some investment into the organization,” Wyatt said. “The more people (that) come out to Carolina Jubilee the more we can do for our farming community.”

By Haley Jones

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