Harvest Fest 2014 - A Great Weekend!

 

Beautiful weather, a large apple crop, and lots of great folks,  music and food highlighted this year's Harvest Fest!

BY THE NUMBERS

Friday Orchard work party - 14 participants

Friday Night Stehekin Valley Music Program - 130 Attendees

Saturday Cider Pressing and Community Potluck  -  220+ Participants

Sunday Poetry Night - 17 readers and reciters
 

THE EVENTS

Friday Work Party - A very important part of what the Foundation does is to gather volunteers to help at the Orchard and Homestead.  Winterizing this organic orchard is critical to the longevity and health of the trees.  Controlling mice by removing grass and food, cleaning ditches, mowing and weed eating, along with setting up for the next day's festivities are only some of the many activities completed.

Friday Evening  -   Banjo, piano ragtime, solos, duets. and quartets with music from the 40's and 50's as well as other lively offerings from Stehekin's own Agnes on Fire band made for another enjoyable and entertaining evening.

Many thanks to all the musicians and singers, and especially to Mary Denmead, Mark Scherer, and Jo Reiter for their organization of this great event.

Saturday at the Orchard -  A bumper apple crop coupled with our largest attendance ever made for a day filled with lots of apples, lots of cider, lots of people, and lots of food and music.  We couldn't ask for more!

The Orchard has never looked better!  The signature Common Delicious apples, along with the Rome Beauties, Winesaps, and Johnny's were large, juicy, and numerous. 

Chili with all the fixings, a fine selection of salads, and a multitude of yummy desserts rewarded the pickers, pressers, and watchers, while enjoying the music of Agnes on Fire, our versatile and talented band of local musicians.

Sunday Evening Poetry Night - Reading from favorites, many of them reflections of the Stehekin Valley and the mountains that surround it, as well as original writings from those present, this relaxing evening brought Harvest Fest 2014 to a quiet close.

Many thanks to the Wilfred and Kathy Woods Advisoy Trust and the Community Foundation of NCW for their support of Harvest Fest!

NEXT YEAR - Harvest Fest 2015 will be held October 9 - 11.

HARVEST FEST 2014

The Details

You've all seen the flyers and now here are the specific details related to this year's Harvest Fest.

 

Where:  Stehekin, Washington on beautiful Lake Chelan

When:  October 3, 4, 5, 2014

Getting there:  Unless you have your own boat or plane, or chose to hike in, you'll want to take advantage of services provided by the Lake Chelan Boat Company and/or Chelan Seaplanes.

Lake Chelan Boat Company

The Lady of the Lake provides daily service through October 15, with only a single boat running at this time of the year, so reservations are recommended for both Friday arrivals and Sunday departures from Stehekin.   Schedule and Rates

Chelan Seaplanes

Here is a note from Shane at Chelan Seaplanes, just for Harvest Fest

"We have added some extra flights and a $20 discount on a round trip or $10 one way for folks flying up to the Harvest Fest. They can make their reservations online via our web site or the link here.  (LINK)  Folks can enter the Promo Code "BOHF2014" when making their reservation to receive their discount."

Places to Stay:  Use this link at the Foundation web site (LINK) to check out accommodations in Stehekin, as well as fishing, hiking, and bicycling adventures.  And, don't forget the Stehekin Pastry Company!

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

9 AM  -  Work party at the Orchard

This involves light work setting up for the weekend, as well as getting the Orchard ready for winter.  Come when you can, leave when you need to.

 

7 PM  -  Stehekin Valley Music at the Stehekin School

The Valley is the home to many fine musicians dedicated to providing traditional,  as well as contemporary music.  End of the Road/Agnes on Fire will play, along with both vocal and instrumental individuals and groups.  If last year is any indication, this will be a sold-out house, so arrive early!

NOTE - As per state law, alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on the school grounds.

 

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

10 AM  -  Picking and Pressing at the Orchard

Two cider presses, new picking bags, a choice of ladders or long-handled fruit pickers, or just visiting and enjoying the Homestead and Orchard, there are a lot of fun choices for everyone. 

 Bring your own containers for cider, if you have them.  One-gallon freezer bags are provided for this purpose, as well.     

1 PM  -  Community potluck at the Orchard

Our tables are always graced with a great selection of foods at this bountiful time of the year, and End of the Road entertains for your enjoyment in this great setting.

 Chili with all the fixings, lemonade, coffee, plates, cups, and utensils are all provided. 

If you have lawn chairs, bring them along, or maybe a blanket to sit on the grass.
                  

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

7 PM  -  Poetry Night  (Location to be determined)

Most Harvest Fest visitors have returned home.  The Valley is quiet and peaceful, the perfect evening to relax and enjoy your favorite poetry and that of others.  Bring your favorite pieces, your own writings, or just listen and enjoy.

Come to enjoy the hospitality of the Stehekin Valley, the fruit and history of the historic Buckner Homestead and Orchard, and the incredible colors of autumn in this unique and wonderful setting!