Feeding Laramie Valley is turning 15, and you’re all invited to the party at Food and Fun in the Park(s) on August 17th! Over the past 15 years, Feeding Laramie Valley has become a powerful force for good in the community, working to make sure everyone is fed, and fed well, with healthy food. From their signature SHARES program distributing free produce to those who need it, to Kids Out to Lunch providing free summer meals to kids of all ages, and coordinating collection for a Community Composting program, Feeding Laramie Valley is always innovating and creating new partnerships to reach the goal of food security for all. 

This year FLV has much to celebrate and thank the community for, so they’re throwing a town-wide party on Saturday, August 17th from 11:00am-3:00pm with free food and fun at three of their sites across town: their main office location in the historic Fort Sanders building at LaBonte Park; Kiwanis Park, where they operate the Community Garden; and their production farm at the Albany County Fairgrounds. 

Not only does this year mark the 15th anniversary of the organization, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of Food and Fun in the Park(s). The hallmark of the event is the made-from-scratch meal served free to the public, which aims to bring the community together through a shared meal. This year, the talented team of chefs from the FLV Kids Out to Lunch program is cooking up grilled summer kabobs made from local ingredients, including produce from Sheila Bird Farms and beef from 9-H Ranch. The meal will be served at Kiwanis Park in West Laramie, where there will also be live music by John Poland and Thomas Saffel, demos and activities with Wyoming Gymnastics, and much more!

Each site will have something different and special on offer, so that in addition to the tasty meal and activities at Kiwanis Park, Feeding Laramie Valley will be hosting farm tours, free ice cream, and horse-drawn cart rides by Steve and D. Anita Littlewolf at the Fairgrounds Farm; and a pie contest, llamas to pet, free birthday cake, a LEAP obstacle course, fairy magic by Laramie Princess Parties at their LaBonte Park location. To make visiting all three sites easy, Laramie Connections will be offering free transportation between all three sites. Plus, you can pick up a special vinyl sticker at each location. Collect all three stickers, and you can get a free smoothie from the FLV booth at the next Farmers Market!

For the last few years, the annual pie contest has drawn talented local bakers to show off their kitchen skills. This year’s contest features expanded categories and more prizes, including sweet, savory, hand pies, specialty, and new junior categories! A free ingredient pantry is available to ensure all who would like to enter are able to do so.

Whether you’d like to get some quality llama time, check out our hidden gem of a high-altitude farm, enjoy a tasty meal with friends and neighbors, or show off your baking prowess, there’s something for everyone at Food and Fun in the Park(s)! Get ready for a birthday bash to remember on August 17th!

Many thanks to event sponsors Ridley’s Family Markets, Cowboy Glass, Snowy Range Flea Market, Elway Powersports, and Poppy’s!

Details about the event and pie contest can be found at www.feedinglaramievalley.org, by emailing info@feedinglaramievalley.org, by calling (307) 223-4399, or by stopping by our main office at 968 N. 9th St. at LaBonte Park.