By Janet Stoica

In mid-September at the last Charlton Farmer’s Market, the Great Rutabaga Roll made its second annual hit!  Oh come on, you know what a rutabaga is, don’t you?  Well, for those of us who do not know the difference between a rutabaga and a turnip here’s a brief summary: they are both root veggies and a member of the cabbage family. Rutabagas are the size of a softball and turnips are the size of a baseball. Rutabagas are a bit sweeter than turnips which are slightly radish-y in taste. They are both high in fiber and low in calories.

 

According to Cara Holland of the Charlton Business Alliance, her group and the Charlton Grange (the Grange runs the Charlton Farmers Market) got together to co-sponsor the Second Annual Rutabaga Roll and Turnip Toss. 

“There was a great turnout,” said Holland. “There were dozens of people in attendance. The adults played the Rutabaga Roll which is likened to a cross between bocce and horseshoes. The group tossed away to get closest to the pin. The kids handled the Turnip Toss.  Anyone could play and it was free.” 

Metal stakes were placed in the middle of the grassy Farmers Market area surrounded by hay bale barriers and the fun began. Amy Laba of Farm46 was the emcee. Her family owns and operates Farm46 in Charlton which is well-known for its sustainable and free range livestock and poultry products. 

“Amy was hilarious as our emcee,” Holland said. “Her husband, Rich, and the Charlton Business Alliance’s President, Matt Power, were excellent as well.” Gold trophies and bragging rights were awarded to the winners of each event with the opportunity to enter next year’s contests. 

The carnival-like atmosphere was a knockout with adults and kids as the Grange offered free face-painting for the kids as well as an adult or two. There were beautiful multicolored mums on display, pumpkins, a cool antique truck great for picture taking, and a good amount of very fresh and local veggies offered for sale by vendors.