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JACKSON COUNTY FAIR Jackson County Fair exhibit showcases local food systems at work Rogue Valley Food System Network presents an educational exhibit for fair-goers By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 19, 2016 @ 5:04 pm By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 19, 2016 @ 5:04 pm Transportation Tips --> Getting to the fair Parking: Parking is available for free all days of the fair in the parking lots on Peninger Road. Buses: This year there will be two b... » Read more X Transportation Tips Getting to the fair Parking : Parking is available for free all days of the fair in the parking lots on Peninger Road. Buses : This year there will be two buses available to ride for $1 each way. The first bus will pick up riders at Crater High School at the football field parking lot at 4410 Rogue Valley Highway, Central Point, every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. The second bus picks up at the Rogue Valley Mall, 1600 N Riverside Ave., at the lower level by JC Penny, every hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. The last bus of the night leaves the fair at 11 p.m. Riders can park at the mall and high school for free and catch the shuttle, which drops off at the fairground gate. Biking : The Bear Creek Greenway leads straight to The Expo for cyclists who want to avoid cars. Cyclists are encouraged to bring helmets and locks. Secured, valet bike parking is offered from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. After 9 p.m. bikes will be left at their own risk. Cyclists will be entered to win prizes in a drawing for biking to the fair. RVs : The long-awaited Southern Oregon RV Park opened in time for this year's fair. The park is situated between two of The Expo ponds, a short walk to the fairgrounds, and is available for day use at $4 per vehicle. Pricing varies for longer-stay sites. See www.jacksoncountyor.org/parks/Camping/So-Oregon-RV-Park or call 541-774-8183 to reserve.  » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> While many attractions at the Jackson County Fair delight patrons with bright colors and flashing lights, the Rogue Valley Food System Network exhibit begins at ground level, literally. The "Planting the Seeds of Your Health" exhibit will expand upon its display from last year. Designed as a path, the display leads fair-goers through the farm-to-table process. The installation focuses on whole foods, food security, supporting local farmers, preserving local farmlands, responsible waste management and making healthful food choices. The fair opens its doors at The Expo in Central Point at 11 a.m. Wednesday and is open to 11 p.m., with the same hours through Saturday. Sunday's hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kids 12 and under are admitted free, thanks to a grant from the West Family Foundation, and adults 75 and older are also admitted without charge. Cost is $10 at the gate for those 13 to 61 years old and $6 for ages 62 to 74. Once fairgoers have paid the entrance fee, there are a variety of free events, including free lawn seating at the evening concert and free admission to Wednesday night's bull riding. The Food System Network exhibit is also free. Beginning with the farm stage, the food exhibit illustrates the progression from production to distribution, including how our local produce is cleaned and packaged. From there, the exhibit shows the consumption stage, and visitors will have the chance to watch cooking demonstrations and sample the food. The installation also educates visitors about waste, including how to properly dispose of food in a way that is environmentally and socially conscious. Rogue Valley Food System Network is a coalition of local organizations that work on various aspects of the food system. The network connects health care groups, farms, food businesses and more, and seeks to educate the community about resources and sustainable food. The exhibit incorporates other local organizations such as Thrive, an initiative that connects local farms and businesses. Rogue Valley Food System Network coordinator Regan Emmon says one goal of this year's display is to showcase the importance of eating and buying whole foods, and their impacts on both health and community. "We want people to know about (the food system) and understand it, and the problems going on in our food system," Emmons says. "There are a lot of consequences that play out in the environment and our health." Part of the exhibit is geared toward how to make healthier choices and how to support local farms using sustainable practices. "A lot of people experience severe health problems," says Emmons, citing diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and obesity as being among illnesses that are related to eating processed foods. The exhibit will include cooking demonstrations where fair-goers can learn and taste samples from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Participants will receive $5 food vouchers redeemable at any of the four Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters markets. The exhibit is open until 8 p.m. daily — 7 p.m. on Sunday — in the Mace Watchable Wildlife Memorial Building. Fairgoers can also visit the Dirt Park in the Seven Feathers Event Center to learn about composting, soil-web building and rainwater catch systems, while plant enthusiasts can visit horticulture displays in Padgham Pavilion. Reach reporting intern Hannah Golden at [email protected]. By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Hannah Golden Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 19, 2016 @ 5:04 pm » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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