STURGIS, S.D. – Celebrate South Dakota grown and foraged mushrooms at the upcoming Mushroom Festival at The Farm Stand at Bear Butte Gardens in Sturgis on Sat., Oct. 7, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mountain Time. The event will feature specialty mushrooms including lion’s mane, oyster, morels and more.
The free festival will take place at the farm’s retail store, 20445 Hwy 79, Sturgis, SD. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with engaging family events, lively music, and insightful discussions on the valuable relationship between wild mushrooms and cultivated varieties. Tickets are also available for a 5-course mushroom-themed dinner that evening.
Activities for all ages include mushroom workshops on log inoculation, spore prints, mushroom growing, cooking with mushrooms, and children’s activities. Taylor Roberts, a renowned Black Hills region chef specializing in local products, will prepare mushroom cuisine to sample.
This ‘Fresher is Fun’ event is the fourth of eight retail store events in the state promoting the purchasing of South Dakota grown specialty crops. Four additional events will occur in 2024. The event is sponsored by the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program overseen by the S.D. Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).
Specialty crops include fresh produce, and other products like jellies, honey, pickles and more. These locally-grown products are fresh, flavorful and fun, and when you buy them, you are supporting producers, grocers, and co-ops who support our local economy.
Mushrooms are considered part of specialty crop production. This event will serve as an excellent platform to highlight the growth and impact of the South Dakota mushroom industry.
Alan Carner, of Black Hills Mushrooms will answer questions about his products and mushroom production during the event. Carner will delve into the crucial aspect of proper certification for foraged mushrooms, emphasizing sustainability and adherence to food code laws.
“Wild mushrooms are not considered a specialty crop, but we do sample wild specimens and cultivate them for localized cultivars,” said Carner.
During the event the market will have grow kits & various mushrooms for sale. They will also offer products and baked goods incorporating mushrooms.
Chef Roberts will curate the evening’s dinner which will highlight a flavorful mushroom dinner, showcasing the diverse applications of South Dakota grown mushrooms, including value-added products. Tickets are available at: https://checkout.square.site/buy/7JFVFPBIP74RSJLFVU7PLYIG.
The Farm Stand at Bear Butte Gardens is a small, local business that sells its own produce and as well as goods from other local producers. The market offers a way to access a variety of local specialty crops and niche products at one convenient location. The farm stand operates year-round and strives to promote specialty foods, local foods, and healthy living.
