*Remember to wear comfortable shoes, and plan to stay for
the afternoon since there is so much to do and see!
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2011 LAVENDER FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Your admission to the lavender festival includes
unlimited seating to all Free Classes & Demonstrations.
(Check back in April, 2012 for the new schedule of events)
ONGOING ATTRACTIONS:
* Open Aire Market, featuring One-of-a-Kind Gifts, Art & Handcrafted Items from Michigan’s most talented Artisans & Local Area Farms.
* Natural Health booths
* Outdoor Living booths
* Gourmet Food & Refreshments
Saturday, July 16, 2011
10:30 A.M.
Organic Gardening & Landscape
Imagine your picturesque landscape and bountiful garden without concern that your kids, pets or wildlife are nibbling on the vegetation while potentially getting sick. You can create a vibrant growing environment using non-toxic organic methods! Rick Weller, owner of Organically Done - a manufacturer of organic soil and plant products, will present techniques and tips on developing and maintaining this healthy growing environment without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Learn the secrets of healthy soil, natural nutrients and non-toxic pest controls.
11:00 A.M.
Lavender: the Swiss Army Knife of Herbs
From aromatherapy to medicinal treatments, and from culinary uses to keeping your house fresh and clean, the versatility of lavender is unsurpassed. Join Jennifer Vasich, author of The Lavender Gourmet and co-founder of the Michigan Lavender Festival, as she shares her passion for lavender. Jennifer will also talk about some of the amazing things she learned from various lavender experts she met coast-to-coast during her farm tours and speaking engagements she went on earlier this year. (From The Pennsylvania Lavender Festival, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, to the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival in California)
12:00 NOON
The Blessing of the Honeybee
Jay Montgomery, master beekeeper and owner of Better Bee Honey, returns to the Lavender Festival to share his expert knowledge! Learn about the many health and beauty benefits of honey, along with some fascinating facts about honeybees. A class you don't want to miss!
12:30 P.M.
Aromatherapy & Pain Management
If you or anyone you know suffers from aches and pains, this class is for you! Susie Bagwell, CMT and essential oil expert, will teach you simple massage and trigger point techniques that can be used to relieve a variety of aches and pains. Discover how essential oils, including lavender, can be combined with basic nutritional changes to create optimal results and reduce inflammation. This class will cover a wide range of pain issues, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint and muscle pain, headaches and migraines. Hand-outs will be provided, and everyone will have a chance to try the oils being used for each method being taught.
1:30 P.M.
An Apple A Day: Meet the Farmer
Learn about the rich agricultural heritage of Michigan as Paul Blake shares unique stories about the Blake family farm, which was one of the very first "Pick Your Own" orchards in Michigan. You'll also learn about the many ways that locally grown food is better for the community, better for the environment, and better for you.
2:30 P.M.
The Greatest Wealth is Health
Discover the 14 components to achieving and maintaining physical, mental and emotional health throughout your lifetime. Join Life Coach Nancy Simon and Nutrition Coach Kimberly Simon of Transitions, a health and wellness company, as they discuss how emotions can affect your overall health. Options for preventative care and healing will include the role that Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, like Lavender, can play in creating a healthy lifestyle. (If you are unable to attend this class, information may be picked up at the Transitions Tent both Friday & Saturday, and Nancy Simon will be present to answer questions.)
3:00 P.M.
Growing & Propagating Lavender
Join Carmela Willing as she shares expert tips on propagating lavender! In this demonstration, Carmela will show you how to effectively nick the stem, apply the Rootone and plant the lavender baby while still attached to the mother. Whether you are just starting to grow lavender, or you want to learn how to multiply your existing plants, this class is for you. Everyone will take home a new lavender baby for their own garden.
4:00 P.M.
Cooking with Lavender: Sweet & Savory Recipes
Once again, Jennifer Vasich will explore lavender's lovely influence on food, and show you how its delicate sweetness can impart a fresh, fragrant taste to your favorite recipes. Learn about what varieties are the best to use for culinary purposes, and sample some delighful treats that will make your taste buds sing! Jennifer Vasich is a gregarious country girl who takes great pleasure in cooking with lavender and herbs. She is the co-founder of the Michigan Lavender Festival, and author of The Lavender Gourmet.
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10th Annual Michigan Lavender Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 13, 14 & 15, 2012
10:00AM - 5:00PM
~ Rain or Shine ~
Admission is just $5 for adults; Children under 12 enter free.
Your admission Includes unlimited seating to all
Classes & Demonstrations.
FREE Parking within walking distance.
*This years event will take place at Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill located at 17985 Armada Center Road in Armada, Michigan!
2011 CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS:
The following classes and demonstrations are all free for festival attendees, and will take place under the speakers tent located near the farm house. Adequate seating is available, and hand-outs will be provided for most of the classes.
Friday, July 15, 2011
10:30A.M.
Organic Gardening & Landscape
Imagine your picturesque landscape and bountiful garden without concern that your kids, pets or wildlife are nibbling on the vegetation while potentially getting sick. You can create a vibrant growing environment using non-toxic organic methods! Rick Weller, owner of Organically Done - a manufacturer of organic soil and plant products, will present techniques and tips on developing and maintaining this healthy growing environment without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Learn the secrets of healthy soil, natural nutrients and non-toxic pest controls.
11:00 A.M.
Herbal Homekeeping
Stop spending a fortune on cleaning products that introduce toxic chemicals into your home, and learn how to make effective household cleaners with simple ingredients, that work in every room of your house! Besides smelling FABULOUS, these natural, non-toxic cleaners are a snap to make and are highly effective in killing germs, mold, mildew, not to mention they cost very little to make. Demonstration includes free recipes. (If you are unable to attend this class, recipes and information can be picked up at the doTERRA Tent both Friday & Saturday)
12:00 NOON
Enhancing Your Garden with Herbs & Perennials (Q & A)
Have you always wanted to garden but aren't sure where to start? Would you like to add plants to your existing garden but could use some advice on what might look best? Join Carolyn Lewandowski, a talented hobby gardener and 2007 recipient of the Warren Beautification Award, as she shares her passion for gardening. In this session, Carolyn will share her advice on how you can add herbs and perennials to any garden to create a spectacular show of color and beauty!
12:30 P.M.
Aromatherapy & Pain Management
Do you or anyone you know suffer from aches and pains? This class is for you! Susie Bagwell, CMT and essential oil expert, will teach you simple massage and trigger point techniques that can be used to relieve a variety of aches and pains. Discover how essential oils, including lavender, can be combined with basic nutritional changes to create optimal results and reduce inflammation. This class will cover a wide range of pain issues, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint and muscle pain, headaches and migraines. Hand-outs will be provided, and everyone will have a chance to try the oils being used for each method being taught.
1:30 P.M.
Green Living & Sustainability for your Home & Garden
Learn how you can make your own rain barrels, compost tumblers, unique gardening containers, drum stoves, BBQ's and much more using Re-purposed / Upcycled food-grade barrels! The ultimate in Eco-chic, these recycled containers can help you save money while enhancing any home or garden. This class is taught by Joshua Rubin, Creative Director of Maxi Container, Inc. in Detroit. Water conservation and quality are very hot issues in Michigan right now and Maxi has taken a stance, partnering with Sierra Club Great Lakes, GreeningDetroit.com, Michigan Businesses for Clean Energy, and the Michigan Recycling Coalition. They also work with local schools and non-profits interested in keeping our great state and waters clean.
2:30 P.M.
Half Hour to Health
Join Dr. Scot Tasco, D.C., as he helps you to discover and put into practice concepts of Life & Health that will empower you and your family. These concepts if actualized could literally change the course of future generations with regard to health and human potential. Dr. Tasco is a recipient of the Life University Presidential Citation and is also a Life College Ambassador. He is Nationally Certified by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and also hosts weekly "half hour to health" workshops which are open to the community at no cost.
3:00 P.M.
The Lavender Home Spa
Create a relaxing oasis in your home with your own luxurious lavender spa products! While she’s no shrinking violet, lavender has profound and amazing health benefits that can benefit your mind, body, and home. Jennifer Vasich, author of The Lavender Gourmet and creative director behind the Gabriel’s Garden line of herbal bodycare, will share recipes and ideas for creating beautifully fragrant products for bath and body, including solid lotion bars, effervescent bath salts, body sprays and more.
4:00 P.M.
Cooking with Lavender: Sweet & Savory Recipes
While at first it may seem a bit mysterious or strange to use lavender when baking, after just one bite you'll be amazed! Join Jennifer Vasich as she explores lavender's lovely influence on food, and see how its delicate sweetness can impart a fresh, fragrant taste to your favorite recipes. Learn about what varieties are the best to use for culinary purposes, and sample some delighful treats that will make your taste buds sing! Jennifer Vasich is a gregarious country girl who takes great pleasure in cooking with lavender and herbs. She is the co-founder of the Michigan Lavender Festival, and author of The Lavender Gourmet.
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Therapeutic Lavender, Massage & Reflexology:
Experience the finest lavender essential oil in the world as you relax with a free mini-massage or reflexology treatment at the doTERRA Essential Oils booth. Lavandula angustifolia belongs to
the labiatae (mint) family. While many brands of lavender essential oil are distilled from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant, dōTERRA uses only the flowering top. Their lavender is sourced from where it grows best, Haute, Provence in France. It is harvested at the height of its bloom and steam distilled to produce the finest lavender essential oil available. It is so pure, it can actually be taken internally. doTERRA was voted BEST of the Lavender Fest by 2010 attendees!
Cooking With Lavender:
Discover the wonderful flavor of lavender, as Jennifer Vasich, author of The Lavender Gourmet, shares the many ways to incorporate this delightful culinary herb into both sweet and savory dishes! Demonstrations and talks will take place both days, and author signed copies will be available at The Lavender Gourmet booth.
Kool Kritter Education:
Join Andrea from the Kool Kritter Education program as she shares her exotic pets and unique stories about them. Andrea has been rescuing pets for over 25 years and has a passionto educate the public about them. All of the kritters are rescued animals from Romeo Animal Placement, and are available for adoption.
Broom-making Demonstrations:
Friday & Saturday. Stop by and visit Henry Tschetter as he demonstrates the unique art of broom making! Henry has been making brooms for over 50 years. He learned from his father and grandfather as a child, and the equipment he uses is from the 1800’s. All of his brooms are
hand crafted from broom corn raised in his garden in Rockford, Michigan. Demonstrations will be ongoing at the Henry Tschetter booth.
Spinning, Knitting &
Weaving Demonstrations:
Friday and Saturday. Stop by and visit Anne Tullett, a delightful Englishwoman and fiber artist extraordinaire, as she and her fiber friends demonstrate their beautiful work. Demonstrations will be ongoing at the Luxury Natural Fibers booth.
Lavender Festival Keepsake Photos:
Stop by the Captured By Creativity Studio Booth to have your photo taken in a lovely lavender setting... You'll be able to take home your professtional photo when you're done! The easter bunny has some serious competition on his hands! $8 per print.
Van-GO! Art Classes on Wheels:
Join local artist Jane Weis for a 1-hour painting class! Jane will teach children and adults to create a lavender themed painting on canvas with lavender scented paint! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Michigan's premier artists. $15 Fee includes all materials needed to complete a 5x7" oil painting.
Art With A Chainsaw:
Artist Mike Weis returns to the lavender festival once again, and will be demonstrating his amazing work! If you've never seen anyone create wood carvings with a chainsaw, you don't want to miss this. Daily Demonstrations at 12:00 PM & 2:30 PM. Click Here to see Mike's unique artwork in action!
U-Pick Lavender:
Due to incliment weather this spring, we regret to inform visitors that there will not be a lavender harvest this year. Lavender needs hot and dry conditions, and the cold and wet spring we had caused the harvest for newly planted lavenders at Blake's to be bumped to Summer, 2012.
The GOOD NEWS is that there will be U-Pick Raspberries and Tart Cherries!
