Harvest Jubilee, now in its 5th year, shined brighter than ever thanks to the tireless volunteers who parlayed their time and talents to produce one of NW Washington’s premier autumn agricultural events. Small and high quality, we live in an amazing community where independence and cooperation blend to bring out the best Deb Eidsness, Skagit Farmers Supply Ag Consultant and wonder woman organized the exhibits and activities in the Country Store Parking Lot. Everything fell into place for a happy day with healthy food, interesting arts and crafts available, all kinds of livestock and equipment with experts ready to share technical information. All this was wrapped up in the lyrical music of Stanwood/Camano’s own Bayou Buzz and The Swingnuts. Too numerous to name individually, all participants are appreciated. Charlene Byde, Whispering Winds Farm and Organic Produce, organized the Farm Tour and fabulous directional signs that were made possible with sponsor support. Seventeen farms welcomed visitors to experience real rural life and discover how their farm products are grown. You folks rock. Also thanks to sponsors, Harvest Jubilee now boasts a beautiful and interactive website with Google maps that allow visitors to locate farms on- line even from iPads while touring. Michael Schopf, designs INK and Carole Tolchin, Opportunity Rising, are to be congratulated for that accomplishment. The beautiful Schedule of Activities and Tour Map published by the S/C News held everything together. Harvest Jubilee operates from a small budget and would not shine without sponsor support: Northwest Veterinary Services, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Pat Rimmer/Les Schwab Tires, Dos Reales; and support from community partners: The Stanwood HS Future Farmers of America, The City of Stanwood, The Stanwood/Camano News, The Stanwood Chamber of Commerce, The NW Agricultural Business Center and Harvest Jubilees parent organization, Slow Food Port Susan. To SFPS President Pam, Linda, John, Cindi, Anne and the SFS employees who helped staff the event, and to the patrons who came to the party, Thank you one and all. Many local farms are open by appointment for direct sales year around. Readers can visit this website to view maps and farm descriptions. Stay tuned and watch us grow. Sincerely, Vivian Henderson Harvest Jubilee Coordinator |