Farm Aid to Head West to Washington State - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

AKA · 08-03-2004, 10:20 PM

Farm Aid to Head West to Washington State

The Associated Press

AUBURN, Wash. - For the first time, Farm Aid will be doing its musical fund raising west of the Rockies this year, holding its annual concert at the White River Amphitheater. Farm Aid 2004, featuring Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and others, will be held Sept. 18 in Auburn.

"The farthest west we've ever been is Nebraska," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. "We have a chance to reach a whole new audience and a whole new group of people."

Nelson, Young and Mellencamp started Farm Aid in 1985, in response to small farmers losing their land because of debt. The first concert took place in Champaign, Ill. The organization has raised $26 million to promote the preservation of family farms and locally controlled, sustainable agriculture.

The group gives grants to farm organizations, churches and service agencies for emergency needs, hot lines, nonprofit legal assistance, education and organizational development.

Mugar said Matthews' ties to Seattle, a place he has lived with his wife, Ashley, figured into the site selection. She also pointed out that 85 percent of Washington farms are family-operated and connected to informed consumers in the area.

"Seattle is a perfect example of how a city might embrace the philosophy of healthy food, from the farm to the table," Matthews said in a statement. "The success of Seattle's consumer awareness to demand quality food from farmers who care should inspire us all."

In 2003, Farm Aid made grants totaling $250,000 to 42 family-farm groups in 26 states. Over time, the organization has changed from an emergency organization for individual farmers to one that deals with broader issues.

"It's the exact same issue, but through a different lens," said Mugar. "It's about preventing the small farm from going to the auction block. And that means keeping fresh food available locally."

Farm Aid and local family-farm organizations will hold a series of events at Pike Place Market in Seattle during the 10 days leading up to the concert.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2004 go on sale at noon Saturday. Prices range from $30 to $95.

ABlairican Pie · 08-04-2004, 12:32 AM

Wow, that'll be just a few minutes up the street from me!!

AKA · 08-04-2004, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Captain ABlairica
Wow, that'll be just a few minutes up the street from me!!

You should go.

ABlairican Pie · 08-04-2004, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AKA
You should go.

I should!!

Uh-oh. I think one of my friends is getting married that day...

Oh well, I'll tell them to schedule it back a day!!!

AKA · 08-04-2004, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Captain ABlairica
I should!!

Uh-oh. I think one of my friends is getting married that day...

Oh well, I'll tell them to schedule it back a day!!!

"You can wait. Neil, John, Willie and Dave can't."

08-03-2004, 10:20 PM	#1
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Farm Aid to Head West to Washington State Farm Aid to Head West to Washington State The Associated Press AUBURN, Wash. - For the first time, Farm Aid will be doing its musical fund raising west of the Rockies this year, holding its annual concert at the White River Amphitheater. Farm Aid 2004, featuring Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and others, will be held Sept. 18 in Auburn. "The farthest west we've ever been is Nebraska," said Farm Aid Executive Director Carolyn Mugar. "We have a chance to reach a whole new audience and a whole new group of people." Nelson, Young and Mellencamp started Farm Aid in 1985, in response to small farmers losing their land because of debt. The first concert took place in Champaign, Ill. The organization has raised $26 million to promote the preservation of family farms and locally controlled, sustainable agriculture. The group gives grants to farm organizations, churches and service agencies for emergency needs, hot lines, nonprofit legal assistance, education and organizational development. Mugar said Matthews' ties to Seattle, a place he has lived with his wife, Ashley, figured into the site selection. She also pointed out that 85 percent of Washington farms are family-operated and connected to informed consumers in the area. "Seattle is a perfect example of how a city might embrace the philosophy of healthy food, from the farm to the table," Matthews said in a statement. "The success of Seattle's consumer awareness to demand quality food from farmers who care should inspire us all." In 2003, Farm Aid made grants totaling $250,000 to 42 family-farm groups in 26 states. Over time, the organization has changed from an emergency organization for individual farmers to one that deals with broader issues. "It's the exact same issue, but through a different lens," said Mugar. "It's about preventing the small farm from going to the auction block. And that means keeping fresh food available locally." Farm Aid and local family-farm organizations will hold a series of events at Pike Place Market in Seattle during the 10 days leading up to the concert. Tickets for Farm Aid 2004 go on sale at noon Saturday. Prices range from $30 to $95.

08-04-2004, 12:32 AM	#2
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,620	Wow, that'll be just a few minutes up the street from me!!
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion