ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL

The other day I got my first whiff of roasting chile, and I knew the Annual Harvest Festival was not far off. This wonderful family event has, in just a couple of years, become, thanks to the farmers from the Gila to northern New Mexico, a statewide tradition.

And thanks to the fine folks at Rio Grande Community Farms and Albuquerque Open Space, it’s great fun to put together.

For two years running, Mother Nature has blessed us with a beautiful day on which to celebrate her bounty, we can only pray that she will see fit to do the same again this year. With her blessing, we will again be able to experience the traditional farming way of life. There will be lots of old time agricultural activities that are both fun and educational.

It’s hard to say which was more fun last year for us kids of all ages, the hayrides, the pony rides or sliding down that big old dirt pile. If you couldn’t decide last year you’ll get another chance at all three. And this year’s Corn Maze will be as exciting as ever… especially for all those folks who want to find the “Lost Alien” hiding among us.

Farmers from all over the state will be joining us for a fabulous farmers market. My mouth is watering just thinking about all the delicious locally grown fruit and veggies, and other fine farm products that will be there

Just a few of the farmers that are already confirmed for this year’s festival include: Michael and Sharlene of No Cattle Farm; Sparrow Hawk Farm; The New Mexico Livestock Cooperative; Mountain Organics; erda gardens; and Desert Woman Botanicals (to order fresh-dug Echinacea root for pickup at the festival, call Monica at 505-535-2860).

Also on hand will be the fine folks from the New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission, New Mexico Compost Products (Soilutions), The Farm Connection News, and other agricultural educational organizations.

Again this year we will feature our haybale stage under the big cottonwoods. We have a great lineup of local talent including the velvet voice of Lenore Armijo singing traditional rancheras, the good time music of the Adobe Brothers, the classic mariachi sound of Los Ultimos, the great dancing of the Ehekatl Aztec Dancers, world beat favorites Wagogo and others not confirmed at press time.

This day of old-fashioned fun with an old-fashioned admission price of only one dollar for adults and fifty cents for kids (entrance to the Corn Maze is extra) benefits our send a New Mexico Farmer (or two or more) to the annual National Organic Farming Conference program.

Last year, Beth and Les Crowder of Sparrow Hawk Farms were the recipients of our Harvest Festival grant. This year, farmers who are interested in going should write up a brief description of their farming operations, including how long they have been farming, what they grow, if they are certified organic and their thoughts on the future of organic farming and get it to Robyn at the Co-op.

Members of Rio Grande Community Farms and the Co-op will help decide who the lucky farmer is this year. So come enjoy all the Harvest Festival fun, support our wonderfully vibrant local farming community, and help ensure that New Mexican farmers are well represented at the national organic farming conference.