VOLUNTEER
REGISTER
FUNDRAISING
THE TOUR
BUS THE BARNS
WHAT IS BUS THE BARNS?
Seventeen years ago, FairShare CSA Coalition organized the first Bike the Barns, a day of biking, farm tours, and gourmet local food and beverage. Proceeds from the ride benefited FairShare’s Partner Shares Program, which helps low-income families afford farm-fresh veggies.
We wanted to make this amazing day of on-farm fun accessible to everyone. So, in 2017 we launched the first annual Bus the Barns to provide a non-cycling option. As a Bus the Barns rider, you get to enjoy the same farm tours, gourmet local food and beverage, and live music, plus special on-farm activities designed just for you! Join us as we bike and bus to ensure food for every family.
MORE INFORMATION:
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The 5th Annual Bus the Barns started and ended at Badger Prairie County Park in Verona, WI. ​
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Schedule of the day:
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Breakfast and participant check in
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Gather at bus for introductions and load up
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The day: 3 farm stops with food, beverage, music, and ​​delightful on-farm fun!
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Bus returns to Badger Prairie County Park
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After Party at Badger Prairie County Park!
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REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
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Food: breakfast, snack stops, lunch, and after party meal + drink tickets
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3 farm stops with curated activities at each stop
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Live music
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Participant Gift Bag
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Bus transportation and tour guide
Please note: activities, such as farm tours, may require participants to walk across uneven ground. It is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility.
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Have questions?
Call FairShare at (608) 226-0300 or email bikethebarns@csacoalition.org.
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Thank you to our generous sponsors:
THE ACTIVITIES
Bus the Barns participants enjoy the same food and beverage, farm tours, and music as Bike the Barns riders - plus special curated interactive activities at each farm stop. Each activity is specifically chosen to highlight the unique nature of the three farm stops, allowing our bus riders to become more fully engaged with each farm. From hands-on activities like taste testing, to hearing from guest speakers who are experts in their fields, the on-farm activities are one of the biggest highlights of the Bus the Barns experience.
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2023 Bus Activities:
Bouquet Making
Bring some beauty from the farm back home with you! Julie Plotkin, founder of Root to Bloom, will be leading a cut-flower arrangement workshop. Each participant will be able to make a small bouquet of fresh flowers from Julie's farm to take home.
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Pickling & Preserving
One of the best ways to enjoy farm-fresh veggies all year long is to extend its shelf life. Pickling and preserving farm produce is a timeless (and delicious) tradition. Join Matt, co-founder of Quince & Apple, in turning the bounty of the season into a tasty treat that lasts for months.
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Cider & Cheese Pairing
Led by Matt and Marie Raboin of Brix Cider, the flavors of a series of local ciders perfectly complement creamy cheese pairings from Landmark Creamery. Learn more about the process behind cider production while you take your taste buds on a wonderful journey! *non-alcoholic pairing options available*
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THE FOOD
The Bus the Barns menu is seasonal, local, and fresh, and the food is sourced largely from FairShare’s organic farms. Madison-area restaurants and caterers will prepare the meals and provide locally produced craft beverages. Bus the Barns offers vegetarian options, but, while we will try, we cannot guarantee gluten-free, vegan, or non-dairy options across all farm stops.
Here is the sample menu for this year's event. Please note, some food items might be slightly adjusted closer to the date of the ride depending on what produce our farms have available.
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2023 draft MENU
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breakfast Snack
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Maple Pecan Granola (Origin Breads) - vegan, wheat-free
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Coffee (Just Coffee)
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crossroads community farm snack
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Farm Girl "Caviar" Tostadas (Vibrant Veg) - vegan, gluten-free available
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Blueberry lemon balm or Ginger pear Kombucha (Rude Brew Kombucha)​
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Farley Center Lunch
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Green chile chicken or Garlic zucchini & squash tacos, cilantro lime rice, and taco salad (Tex Tubb's Taco Palace) - vegan option available, gluten-free​
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Cold brew coffee floats (Just Coffee & Calliope Ice Cream)
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PRairie Bluff Farm Snack
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Local fruit mousse with meringue (Brix Cider) - vegetarian, gluten-free
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Cinnamon Orange Black tea, Blueberry Herbal Fruit infusion (Telsaan Tea)
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Snug Haven Farm Snack
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Hummus or baba ghanouj snack tray (Bunky's) - vegan, gluten-free, nut-free
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Apple cider (Eplegaarden)
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Water stop Snack
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Watermelon (Tipi Produce)
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Peanut butter chocolate chip mini-bars (GoMacro) - vegan, gluten-free
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After party Tasting menu (Participants get food and drink tickets to "spend" on items of their choice!)
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Farmhouse Andouille Sausage & Cheesy Red Flint Grits or Three Sisters Medley & Red Flint Grits (TradeRoots Kitchen) - vegan option available, gluten-free
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Sweet Thai Basil Chili Sauce Chix Kebab or Veggiez Primavera with Local Grains (Just Veggiez) - vegan
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Cilantro Olive Rice Bowl with Braised Vegetables, choice of tofu or chicken (Madame Chu)- vegan available, gluten-free
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Roasted Beet Salad or Zucchini/Summer Squash Orzo (Merchant) - vegetarian
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Mini Donuts (Level 5 Donuts) - vegan
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Future Fruit Farm Pear Sorbet or Elderberry Ice Cream (The Frozen Local) - vegan (sorbet)
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Wine (provided by American Wine Project)
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Beer (Working Draft Beer Company)
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WiscoPop & Sprecher soda
FUNDRAISING
Bike the Barns is FairShare’s largest fundraiser. The money raised through Bike the Barns and Bus the Barns supports The Partner Shares Program, which helps low-income families gain affordable access to farm-fresh veggies. Each year, hundreds of bikers, bus riders, volunteers, and farmers come together during this special day to eat, drink, and pedal together in the name of fresh food access.
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The cause
Fresh, high quality produce has become more difficult to access as households with limited budgets feel the strain of rising costs. The Partner Shares Program makes farm-fresh food accessible and affordable.
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the goal
Fundraising through Bike the Barns is the Partner Shares Program’s largest source of funding. We hope to raise $50,000 this year to provide critical financial support to families struggling to access fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables.
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how you can help
Your fundraising efforts go directly toward ensuring households have a consistent supply of nutritious food through CSA. Set up a fundraising page, or make a donation to a fundraiser rider to help all families access farm-fresh food!
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You don’t need to know a rider to be able to donate through our Bike the Barns cause page
What does it mean to be a fundraiser rider?
We’ll help you set up your fundraising page and provide you with tools, resources, and templates to get you on your way to helping families eat delicious veggies.
Fundraising begins the day registration opens, and riders can continue to raise funds up until the day of the ride. Share your page online, ask folks to write a check, or do a mile pledge. Every dollar makes a difference, and the more you share your fundraising story, the more money you can raise in support of fresh food for every family!
Why should I set up a fundraising page?
In addition to the feeling of doing good in your community and helping feed your neighbors, fundraiser riders also get:
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A commemorative Bike the Barns sticker
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Entered to win a Schwinn Marshall electric bike when you raise $100 or more
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The chance to earn sweet prizes and gear with our fundraising challenges
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Support from us to help you reach your goal!
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CHECK OUT OUR FUNDRAISING TOOLKIT
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FUNDRAISING PRIZES
Fundraising levels are cumulative, and prizes will be awarded in September. But keep an eye out for extra fundraising prize challenges throughout the summer for even more chances to win awesome prizes!
$100+
Thanks to our Premier Sponsor Schwinn, one lucky fundariser will be randomly selected to win a Marshall electric bike!
$250
KEEP ON PEDALING
For those who can’t get enough BTB, we’ve got you covered.Enjoy your 2024 Bike or Bus the Barns registration on us, and keep riding to feed families in your community.
$500
LOCAVORES' DELIGHT
Locavores delight in this bounty of expertly crafted goods highlighting the best of our regional artisans! From salty to sweet, there's something for everyone in these Local Food Packs.
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$1,000
RIDER'S CHOICE
You've raised some serious funds to connect familes to fresh food. Now let us thank you by presenting you with a choice between some seriously awesome prizes!
Options include: Pasture & Plenty Meal Kit, a stay at Circle M Farm, Stateline Distillery Private Tour & Tasting, Schwinn Daytripper Cargo Trailer & Commuter Pannier Set.
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN ON JUNE 1, 2023
SIGN UP TO GET NOTIFIED
GET INVOLVED
BE PART OF THE FUN
FairShare CSA Coalition is a small team – we couldn’t pull off this grand event without our amazing community of volunteers and supporters!
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Perks of volunteering include:
-Helping ensure food for every family!
-Spending a day outdoors with food + farm enthusiasts
-Receive a custom Bike the Barns swag item and gourmet, farm-fresh food at the event
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VOLUNTEER ROLES
Though Bus the Barns is a single day event, there are many ways to volunteer before, during, or after the ride.
Volunteers assist with:
1) Marking the route
2) Stuffing rider bags and helping with pre-registration
3) Farm stop logistics
4) Food & beverage preparation & service
5) Participating on the rider support teams, and more!
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VOLUNTEER WITH A GROUP
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If you or your organization would like to support this spectacular event by volunteering as a group, please complete the volunteer signup form or send questions to beth@csacoalition.org.
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We will contact you with details on signing up for specific day-of-event tasks closer to the day of the ride.
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