GEDDES -- Locally grown produce is the highlight of this year's Harvest Fest. More than 3,000 people have already turned out at the State Fairgrounds for unlimited samples of some the state's finest produce.

This is the first year the event has been held in Central New York. Dairy Farmer Dean Sparks says buying from local farmers helps the economy. "Keeping farmers farming in New York is critical. So many of our products we buy now are imported from other countries or other states," Sparks says.

Mike Taylor is selling organic sunflower seed oil. Taylor says local food like his is fresher because you don't have to ship it long distances. "You've got sunflowers grown right here in Cazenovia, New York, bottled at a great pride of New York event," he says.

Blythe Bennett of Syracuse says given the choice she will always try to buy locally grown produce. "It's your neighbor you're trying to support your neighbor and that helps all of us," she says.

Harvest Fest runs from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. Tickets for the event are $25 at the door. For more information, go to: www.harvestfestNY.com.