Fall Rice Festivals

Surprised that fall rice festivals are a popular American event? Don’t be – rice farming was a highly lucrative business, particularly in the South, before the Civil War. It eventually became too expensive after slave labor ceased and farmers had to pay their labor for the hard work they provided, but today with modern techniques many rice farms still remain active in the United States, supplying long grain white rice to other farmers and grocers.

Rice thrashing is how the grains are harvested and if you can watch the activity first hand you’ll find it to be quite interesting and educational. Back at the festival, rice will be found in all types of dishes for you to enjoy from gumbo to pudding, as well as in crafty arts and creations. Music, entertainment, and lots of eating are sure to be on hand so the whole family will no doubt want to tag along.

Be sure to bring a few sacks of rice home with you as well as a few recipe books which will no doubt be available for purchase.