(Editor's note: New Era Correspondent Wendy S. Caldwell is completing a co-op in applied anthropology at Millersville University. The program is aimed at understanding sustainable agriculture in Lancaster County. She is contributing stories related to the project throughout the summer.)
Lancaster's Buy Fresh Buy Local organization is hoping to make the concept of sustainable agriculture a lasting phenomenon.

To that end, the group is hosting its third annual Buy Local Week, beginning Friday with a kickoff celebration outside Central Market.

The week's events are designed to create awareness about local farms and local food production, said Fritz Schroeder, manager of the newly reopened Eastern Market in Lancaster City and a member of the Buy Fresh Buy Local steering committee.

"This is really a non-political concept," Schroeder said, adding that there has been increased demand for Lancaster County produce, especially in Chester County and in Philadelphia. "We want consumers in Lancaster to be better informed about their food choices, and they also should know that buying local supports area farmers."

Among the planned events are a dinner, cooking demonstrations and a bike tour through county farmland.

While agricultural experts, farmers and even members of the academic community differ slightly on what best defines sustainable agriculture, most seem to agree that there are three main components: economic viability for farmers, healthier fresh food choices, and preservation of the farming heritage.

Buy Fresh Buy Local, Schroeder said, promotes the concept of sustainable agriculture through the tastiest means: food.

"When we started the idea for Buy Local week, we didn't know what to expect," Schroeder recalled. "But each year, it just keeps expanding, with more restaurants participating and more people wanting to learn how they can support local farmers."

Schroeder expects nearly 200 people will attend the Buy Fresh Buy Local kickoff dinner, which opens a week filled with a variety of activities. Central Market is hosting not only the kickoff celebration, but also the cooking demonstrations on Saturday, July 14, and a children's event, "Play With Your Food," on Saturday, July 21.

This year, bicycling enthusiasts are encouraged to pedal through Lancaster County farmland during the "Bike Fresh Bike Local" ride from the Landis Valley Farm Museum to the Hopeland Farm near Brickerville.

"Following the ride, we will have a celebration lunch at Lancaster Dispensing Company, which is one of our Buy Fresh Buy Local participating restaurants," Schroeder said.

Schroeder, 34, a native of Lancaster Township, said local residents should consider themselves lucky to share a rich cultural heritage.

"We are really blessed in Lancaster County to be able to take a drive and see farmers who still use horse-drawn plows to work the soil," Schroeder said. "And the Buy Local Week gives everyone a chance to make real changes to build a market for local foods."

Here's a rundown of the week's events:

Friday, July 13
Kickoff celebration outside Central Market from 6 to 9 p.m.

Catered by Carr's Restaurant, the event will feature local foods from Lancaster County farmers and local beer provided by Lancaster Brewing Co. (Other beverages available). The Lonesome Stragglers will perform.

Tickets cost $40. Reservations are required by calling 291-4293.
Saturday, July 14
Cooking demonstrations at Central Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Art & Agriculture at Eastern Market, 308 E. King St., featuring local artists, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Great Green America Fest on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Route 72, north of Manheim, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 15
Great Green America Fest continues, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17
A Night on the Patio at John J. Jeffries restaurant at the Lancaster Arts Hotel, 300 Harrisburg Ave., 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Thursday July 19
"Teach in!" A free discussion about the 2007 Farm Bill, at 5 p.m. in room 112 of Franklin & Marshall College's Stahr Hall.
Friday, July 20
The movies "Store Wars" and "Fast Food Nation" shown at 7 p.m. at The Other Room Theatre, 715 N. Pine St. Cost is $5.
Saturday, July 21
The Central Market for KIDS! program "Play with your Food" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Market.
Sunday, July 22
"Bike Fresh Bike Local," a roundtrip bicycle tour from Landis Valley Farm Museum to Hopeland Farm, Brickerville. Departs at 8 a.m. from the Landis Valley Farm Museum.

Registration is $30 and includes post-ride lunch and beer at Lancaster Dispensing Company.

Pre-registration is required by calling 291-4293

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www.buylocalpa.org
www.greatgreenamericafest.com