The Ferry Building Farmer’s Market has seen its fair share of crowds, but I’d guess Saturday April 18’s seventh annual Goat Festival co-hosted by CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is going to be on a whole other level. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can pet live baby goats from the San Francisco School and Toluma Farms in the outdoor area near Sur la Table (fun fact: couples get in funny fights here — I’ve seen it!). Other activities include a goat cheese tasting class and a goat-themed cooking demo.

The Facebook event listing for the festivities has brought out debates on the ethics of allowing people the opportunity to pet and then eat an animal all in one day. But CUESA makes a fair point on its Facebook page: “It is CUESA’s view that it is not an option to deny that animal agriculture is present in our existing food system. Education about how to make all agriculture more humane and sustainable is always our number one priority.”

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to add “kick it with baby animals” to my calendar.

[Image via Thinkstock]

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