Some words from Terrapin’s Owner and Head Chef, Josh Kroner

Anyone who’s visited Terrapin knows how proud we are of the Hudson Valley and the local foods we use in our dishes. In addition to my efforts to use and promote the products of the Hudson Valley, I want to call attention to the many things people are doing to preserve it. My good friend Paul Schiavo, a co-founder of the Mountain Jam Festival in Hunter, New York, and I have talked about producing a music festival for years. But it was not until the idea of this Green Festival, which combines so many concepts that are important to Terrapin’s mission, that we decided to go ahead and make it happen. It’s because of this that we are proud to announce the Hudson Valley Green Festival.

Before coming to the Hudson Valley in 1998 when I opened the first Terrapin in West Hurley, NY, I was unaware of all the great local resources and the need to appreciate and protect them. The idea of farm to table and eating locally hadn’t really occurred to me until I moved here and I started to see all the Hudson Valley had to offer. At that point I even set up my own 3,000 square foot organic garden. I grew many vegetables that I was able to use in my restaurant – I just loved the idea of harvesting fresh produce. Now I’ve been working with local farmers for the past 11 years; it’s great for me, our customers love it, and the farmers definitely appreciate it.

We’ve put together a great event to showcase the bounty of the Hudson Valley and live music, happening all day on two stages, featuring national and local artists, some of whose names I’m sure you’ll recognize. We’ve invited a few of the businesses in our area offering green services to be part of the alternative/sustainable energy pavilion – here you can learn what you can do to make our home a little greener. Some of our friends will be taking a day away from their farms to participate in the festival farmer’s market, and there will be all kinds of different vendors offering Hudson Valley Products. We’ve set up a tent for the kids with entertainment by Uncle Rock and supervised activities. Of course there will be food by Terrapin. Not to forget another important local product, we’ll have a beer pavilion there too, featuring all New York State beers.

I really hope that this festival brings the Hudson Valley the recognition it deserves, and helps make it a greener, healthier place. The area has so much to offer; this was the least Terrapin and I could do to bring some attention to sustainable energy opportunities and the great local food and farms. Thanks to everyone for your support, I’ll see you at the Hudson Valley Green Festival!