This weekend is the 5th annual Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival put on by the Hawks Prairie Rotary. The event is known for its family fun environment, like face painting and games for kids, special guests like Ciscoe Morris and Chef Jimbo Jitsu, and for mushroom tastings of all kinds. This year steps it up for adults though, with a 21+ mushroom and wine pairing, and an emphasis on education and cooking demonstrations.
"We're trying to not only show the food side, but also the educational side," says Cory Lopardi, this year's Chair. Educational speeches and demonstrations on the many health benefits of mushrooms, how to harvest, and cooking techniques are a just a few topics.
Located at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey, at Steilacoom and Marvin Roads, the event runs 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $5 for both days and children 12 and under are free.
Just down the road at Harmony Hall (9101 Steilacoom Rd SE) on Saturday night from 6 - 9 p.m., is the Mushroom and Wine Event, where $25 will get you seven local paired wine and mushroom tastings, live music, dancing, access to a silent wine auction and admission to both days.
"It's an opportunity for adults to have something different," says Lopardi.
