Mushroom madness
The first Mushroom Festival will be held in Bugtussel this weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. today and continuing through Saturday at The Mushroom Farm. Mushroom tours are offered during the day, and live bands will fill the air with music in the afternoon and evening. Fred Fry, the farm’s owner, expects a crowd of 2,000 people and hopes to increase interest in the mushroom growing industry.
Fry has 3,000 logs and sells a variety of mushroom species, including Shiitake, which he says have become very popular among those interested in healthy eating. Fresh mushrooms will be available for sale during the festival, as well as kettle corn, homemade pizza and funnel cakes. Additional vendors will be selling crafts, T-shirts and other goods.
Bugtussel is 45 minutes east of Columbia on Interstate 70. Take exit 170 and follow the Shiitake Mushroom signs. For more information, visit themushroomfarm.com.