This past Saturday we went to the Kitchen Kettle Village for their Rhubarb Festival which is held every year on the third Friday and Saturday in May. Kitchen Kettle Village has 42 shops, restaurants and lodging. What are they known for? Their yummy jams, relishes and salsas. On select days you can even see the employees (mostly Amish) can the jars of mouth watering products right in the Jam & Relish Kitchen. What, jams and relish isn't your thing? No worries they have all sorts of unique shops to suit anyone's interest. They also have a small petting farm and playground right across from the main hub. Be prepared parents, there are pony rides for a fee so bring your wallet. There is also a kid's workshop where you can either make a wooden toy train or a Amish faceless doll to take home. I have never done this myself but it does look like fun and it's a great souvenir for you child to take home. Don't feel like making your own toys? Check out Yummie's Toy Box back in the village. Lots of unique toys for the young and young at heart. Of course you can't go anywhere in the Amish Country without finding a buggy ride for the tourist. Kitchen Kettle is no exception. AAA Buggy Rides boast they are the only buggy ride that goes through a real covered bridge on a back country road. It's worth the trip too if you like beautiful landscapes and peaceful silence. But before you go on the buggy head over the fudge shop. Their fudge is out of this world and if you get there at the right time you can actually see how the fudge is made. The employees are so fun and informative here. They make the trip exciting. Plus they do carry some interesting flavors of fudge, in honor of this weekend they had a rhubarb chocolate fudge.

Now that I told you all about Kitchen Kettle Village let's talk about the Rhubarb Festival! This festival is jam packed with lots of yummy samples of rhubarb inspired dishes. My favorite this year was the strawberry rhubarb salsa that mixed Kitchen Kettle's fabulous zesty salsa and strawberry rhubarb jam. Of course it was a close race with the rhubarb peach pineapple julep. Between the rhubarb jam, pineapple jam, mint leaves and the bubbly Sprite you got yourself one great party drink. Everything is made right before your eyes so you can see how easy it is to make in your own home.

After sampling all the dishes and shopping around the village you must find a seat for the Rhubarb Stroll. This mini parade is the highlight of our trip. The local marching drummers start the parade followed by the Pink Ladies. These wonderful ladies are employees of Kitchen Kettle that get all dolled up in rhubarb pink and green and hand out similar color beads to all the guest in the village.

The band even gets some country wheels to keep a good beat for what's to follow. Yummie is the official mascot of Kitchen Kettle Village. He is a giant gingerbread man who is very sweet! This year, due to Bridget's rhubarb inspired outfit, she was welcomed into the parade. She marched around the whole village waving at all the guest with Yummie and his mascot friends. The people in charge of the parade are so nice. In fact all the employees here are super sweet.

After the parade we all gathered back at the starting point to take a group shot. Who all was there? The King and Queen of Rhubarb graced our presence as well as Filbert (Issac's Restaurant), Silo (Lancaster Barnstormers) and some blue dude whom I really don't know who it was but he had some moves. Of course we can't forget the stars of the show (Besides Bridget) Yummie and The Rhubarb! It was a lot of fun being involved with the parade this year and I would like to thank the staff of the Kitchen Kettle for making this year so special.

You think you might want to visit Kitchen Kettle Village? Here are some things you need to know. Kitchen Kettle Village is in the town of Intercourse, about 10 miles away from Lancaster city. Take Route 340 until you see the sign on the left hand side. They are open year round Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. It is FREE admission and plenty of FREE parking. On days of the festivals you might have to park far away so be prepared. It is handicap accessible and bus trips are welcomed so be prepared for large groups of people. I say out of a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate the parks cleanliness at a 10. There are restaurants but there is areas around to set up for a picnic as well. No fast foods here on this country road. There is more then one tourist site in this small area and all in walking distance of the village. As far as upcoming special events: the next festival is the third Friday and Saturday in June which is the Berry Jam Festival followed by Yummie's Birthday Party on the first Saturday in August. This is a must with the kids, lots of mascots and birthday cake. There is also a 7 Sweets & Sours Tailgate Festival in September and Holly Days from Thanksgiving until Christmas. You can register in advance for a character breakfast with Yummie for some events. Check out their website at

                                               

www.kitchenkettle.com for more info. As a side note I would like to say there are a lot of Amish families in the area trying to sell their products. Please be respectful of their religious beliefs and DO NOT TAKE THEIR PHOTOGRAPH. Please DO BUY AMISH MADE. I give Kitchen Kettle Village two thumbs up! A great place to visit with the whole family.