National Asparagus Festival
In celebration of Oceana County's most famous crop--the National Asparagus Festival is an annual event, held in mid-June and alternates between the towns of Shelby and Hart. Asparagus was first cultivated in Greece, and is derived from the Greek word meaning "stalk" or "shoot."
Asparagus is perhaps a lesser-known vegetable than broccoli or carrots, but its nutritional value is one of the highest. It is a good source of folic acid, potassium, and fiber, contains no fat or cholesterol and has less than 5 calories per spear. Fresh asparagus can be steamed or boiled for 5-8 minutes, so preparation is fast and easy. Only California and Washington produce more asparagus than Michigan.
A schedule of activities for 2011 will be posted as it becomes available.
