By MEREDITH M. GRIFFITH

Islands’ Sounder Staff reporter

When it comes to throwing a shindig, the farmers of San Juan County know how to pull out all the stops: an upcoming festival thrown by the county’s Agricultural Resources Committee will run the entire month of October. Talk about a fete.

“Join us in celebrating the bounty and beauty of our local farms!” says ARC coordinator Peggy Bill.

In case you’re wondering, local farmers’ ideas of entertainment include “bowling” for squash pins with cabbages; sheep dog demonstrations; a Fall Farm Parade; farm to table feasts using local products; farm tours; a class on selecting fleece, carding, spinning and dyeing; cheese making; a hard cider orchard tour and tasting; a shellfish farm tour and lunch; a pig roast and potluck; cooking classes by acclaimed chefs and other agrarian escapades. Farm and food events have been scheduled throughout the month on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands.

The festival will be island-hopping as it gathers steam, focusing on a different island each weekend. Most Lopez events will take place from Sept. 29-Oct. 2; most Orcas events Oct. 7-10; and San Juan Island events from Oct. 14-16. There will also be many other events on other days in October.

A full calendar of events by island will be available soon at www.sjcarcorg, and will continue to be updated as events are added.

“Support of our local farms through agritourism is a priority for the Agricultural Resources Committee, and we will continue to build this annual tradition, helping to educate locals and visitors about our unique island farms,” said Bill. “We also hope to expand the events to include farm-related art shows and studio tours, biking tours to farms, more classes, etc. There are endless possibilities. Bring your family and friends to support and learn about our local farms.”

For more information, contact info@sjcarc.org.  The festival will be sponsored by Blossom Grocery, Valley Farm Center, Lopez Village Market, Jones Family Farm, Allium Restaurant, Orcas Trail Riders and Wild Bird Bamboo.

Islands Fall Farm Festival is part of “Savor the San Juans: A Medley of Food, Art & Culture,” sponsored by the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. Information about other events, lodging and restaurant specials during the month of October can be found online at www.visitsanjuans.com/savor/.