Post by: Jerry Orton
- 6600 people gathered for 2 days of historic fun!
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. held its 8th annual Spring Planting Festival on May 2nd and May 3rd, 2010, and it was another resounding success. Over 6,600 people attended, representing 30 states and Canada.
The Spring Festival has grown from a first-year total of around 400 people to its present-day blockbuster size. Much of this growth parallels the growth of Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. itself. The 2010 seed catalog now boasts 1,400 varieties from all over the United States and the world, appealing to gardeners of all stripes.
Vendors offered around 5000 varieties of plants!
For those who have attended every year, the improvements from year-to-year are impressive. Parking lots and roads have been laid out and cordoned off to facilitate easy in and out. Baker Creek personnel use walkie-talkies to coordinate parking and visitor access. Several new restrooms and a new restaurant add to visitor enjoyment, not to mention the additions to Bakersville itself, with the numerous new animal enclosures, a pioneer cabin, and an operational grist mill.
A special feature of each Spring Festival is the array of nationally accalaimed speakers who spoke on a broad range of subjects that are of interest to gardeners everywhere. This year, there were several standing room only crowds, who were entertained and educated by the topics that were presented.
Emmy-winner Doug Oster spoke on Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil, while Ken Roseboro warned of the dangers of Genetically Modified Foods. Kelly Norris, who started Rainbow Iris Gardens at the age of fifteen, spoke on familiar, but forgotten flowers and the passion that motivates gardeners. Dr. Jeff Nekola and Linda Fey from the University of New Mexico captivated audiences with their talks on the healing power of gardens and their life’s work involving the preservation and promotion of over 390 varieties of garlic. Oscar H. “Hank” Will III told the story of the Oscar H. Will Seed Co., a North Dakota company that spanned over a hundred years. Paul Wallace, from Baker Creek’s Petaluma, CA Seed Bank, talked on compost and mulch, two very topical subjects.
Meanwhile, nearly a hundred vendors sold everything from plants, honey, and fresh-baked bread and pastries, to tack for horses, apple fritters, and homemade soap.
The Folk Music Contest drew musicians from far and wide.
Numerous musicians, including Sourdough Slim, a perennial favorite, entertained appreciative crowds with Bluegrass, Folk, Gospel, and Country music. On 2 stages, music was continuous for over nine hours each day.
At Sunday’s Costume Contest, the winners were 1st Place Damien and Kaitriana Nissley from El Dorado Springs, MO and 2nd Place Melissa and William Niednagel from Nottinghill, MO. At Monday’s Costume Contest, the winners were 1st Place Awbra Trujillo from Clever, MO and 2nd Place Rebekah Richardson.
The Folk Music Contest is always a huge crowd-pleaser. The 1st place winner ($600) was the Blue Jeans Bluegrass Band from Schell City, MO. 2nd place ($200) went to the Montana Family from Rovenna, TX.
Dozens of demonstrators displayed their crafts.
Jere Gettle, the owner of Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., was extremely pleased with the turnout. “These events are so much work, but they are worth every ounce of effort. Visitors and Baker Creek personnel alike have such a good time.” What’s in store for next year? Gettle responded with, “More and better. Come and join us.”
Photography by NateLuke.com. ©2010
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