Farmer's Market - Home of the Rutabaga Curl

On the last day of Ithaca Farmers market in 1996, it was cold and with few customers, the farmers were bored, so for entertainment and to keep warm, they started hurling round vegetables towards a target. This spontaneity inspired vendor Steve Sierigk to harness the fun and organize the first official Rutabaga Curl at the last Saturday Market in 1997. Starting with a few rules, a 79-foot-long court, and 50 Rutabaga's from Blue Heron Farm, the event was rolling becoming more official each year! Rutabagas were being bred to win, a flaming rutabaga torch announced the start of the games [to Chariots of Fire music], refs were recruited to officiate, cheerleaders chanted, announcers provided lively commentary, local luminaries tossed the opening baga, and contestants signed up to compete. In 2007, the famous Rutabaga Chorus singing "Rutabaga" to Handel's Messiah made its first, now annual, debut. Many more Rutabaga stories can be told, including the Japanese team sent to compete, making it a truly international game. Come see the Ithaca Farmers Market Rutabaga Curl exhibit and share your Rutabaga Curl memories!