What I was not expecting was TWO Head Start classes approaching my table at the same time; that’s 40 five year olds! Thankfully there was a Build a Scarecrow booth that took on half the children. Once upon a time during college and pre-tattoos I was a Long Beach Unified School District College Aide and later substitute teacher for various districts.
Here’s what I learned: mini-farmers between the ages of 3 to 5 years have short fingers and weak hands. Luckily, Aliye Aydin, beachgreens proprietor and Fall Harvest Festival sponsor, solicited volunteers and I had help. Several teachers were also on hand, eager to help and plant.
While I hollered directions like, “flatten your tube” I explained we were planting Snow Pea Snowbird. You know what happens next…
But I don't like peas!
Ah youth. Oh wait, some husbands don’t like peas either. Also participating in the Fall Harvest Festival was local Chef Paul Buchanan of Primal Alchemy Catering. Dessert was provided by Justina Fenton and Keith Russell of Shortnin’ Bread, a new artisan bakery located in Long Beach. Justina is developing non-dairy desserts but in the meantime you can find her at the Long Beach Sunday Market in California Heights.
The Growing Experience-A 6-acre farm in North Long Beach
I’d like to thank Botanical Interests for their continuous support. I handed out loads of seed packets and seed starting brochures to eager children.
I don’t know if I could handle that many kids!
Adriana, Thanks so much for writing about the Fall Harvest Festival. Since I was stuck inside with the food I had no idea you were planting seeds outside. Your Potty Pots sound like a cool idea. I hope you got to taste some of our delicious food. I look forward to doing more things at The Growing Experience and at next years Fall Harvest Festival I hope to do a huge fundraising Dinner there for up to 200 people all at one long table serving the best local food ever.
Oh man, sounds crazy! Yay for Potty Pots!