By Alissa Matthews, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets 
The 9th annual Consumer Night hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets invites shoppers to graze their way through a broad range of Vermont food and agricultural products.
Experience the best Vermont has to offer at the Winter Market and Capital Cook-Off on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 from 4:00–7:00 PM. This winter celebration aims to raise awareness about the importance of local food while connecting attendees with over 50 farmers and producers of local dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, honey, condiments, wine, beer, spirits, wool, and handmade crafts as well as ready-to-eat prepared foods. Admission and parking for Consumer Night are both FREE!
Beginning at 5:15 PM, attendees are invited to watch Vermont State Representatives, State Senators and Agency of Agriculture staff battle in a contest to showcase local foods in the Capital Cook-Off. This friendly cooking challenge featuring local products from the Winter Market and a “secret Rooted in Vermont ingredient” that inspires the teams’ perfect dish. Consumer Night attendees will also have the chance to sample the teams’ dishes and vote for the “public pick.”
Note to Farms and Agricultural Businesses:
We still have space to feature you and your products! We are accepting local vendor applications through EOB on Friday, December 13th, 2019. Vendors will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis and must represent a diverse market of goods offered. Applications from all 14 counties are welcome! One 8ft table and 2 chairs will be provided for FREE, but all vendors must submit an online application at http://bit.ly/ConsumerNight2020 (case sensitive URL) or contact Faith Raymond at faith.raymond@vermont.gov or (802) 828-2430.
For all other inquiries, contact Alissa Matthews at alissa.matthews@vermont.gov or (802) 505-1661.