Chestnut Roast at New Franklin farm has become a Missouri Tradition

by Lauren Malan, posted Oct. 15, 2009

The annual Missouri Chestnut Roast held in October brings thousands of people together to get a taste of Missouri chestnuts. The Seventh Annual Missouri Chestnut Roast will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 9 p.m. at the University of Missouri Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, Mo.

According to the Center for Agroforestry’s Web site,  goals for the day include:

• Increasing the markets and production of pecan, walnut, chestnut and a wide variety of horticulture products.

• Encouraging nuts as a healthy, nutritious food choice.

• Generating interest and awareness of the historic 1819 Hickman House as a Missouri treasure.

The day is filled with activities for adults, including musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations with chestnut, Thomas Hickman house tours, guided bus and walking tours, and exhibition booths. Activities for the children include face painting, a straw maze, and a scavenger hunt.

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