Page 26 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2017

In Praise of Pollinators
By Holly Hansen
While it’s already known as “the sweetest little fair in Sonoma County”, this
year’s Gravenstein Apple Fair becomes even sweeter, in the form of bees and honey. This year’s theme is “In Praise of Pollinators”, drawing attention to the critters, especially bees, who keep our food systems alive.
The fair is scheduled for August 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at
Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol.
Guests at the Gravenstein Apple Fair will learn more about pollinators and the important role they play in the health of our planet. They’ll also learn simple tips everyone can do to keep pollinators healthy and happy. Michael Thiele is a bee expert who lives in Sonoma County and is known around the world for finding new ways
of living with bees. He will share his innovative knowledge in a discussion on Saturday, August 12, at 1:30 p.m.
Summer of Love: “The Hippies” Exhibit Closing
The Sonoma County Beekeepers Association will give an up-close view of bees at work inside their demonstration beehive. At the Do-It-Yourself Arena, Master Basket Weaver Charlie Kennard will show fairgoers how to make a natural beehive, called a skep, and demonstrations on planting a pollinator- friendly garden, and mead-making will follow throughout the weekend.
By Erin She eld
It was previously announced that “The Hippies” Exhibit at the West
County Museum would close at the end of Labor Day, September 4th. However, due to scheduling con icts, the exhibit will be dismounted on
Labor Day, September 4th, so the last day to see the exhibit will be Sunday, September 3rd, 1:00–4:00 PM. Exhibitors who loaned objects are invited to come on Labor Day to retrieve their items. They will be contacted individually later if this day is not convenient.
PHOTO © Samantha Harmon
One of the most popular parts of the presentation has been the lm clips of Lou Gottlieb and Bill Wheeler explaining their philosophies that led them to open their land to all, the e ect of which was not well received by the County of Sonoma. The story of the County’s many e orts to destroy the homes made by the hippies and to ne the landowners for denying access to no one is well told in photographs. But the changes in the lifestyles introduced to the West County in 1967-1973 have survived. The e ects can be seen in contemporary music, fashion, and the legalization of cannabis, to name a few.
Kids will enjoy watching
their peers perform a bee dance and “pollinate” flowers in Ragle Ranch
Park. They’ll also learn to make a seed ball at the fair, which they can take to a parent-approved location to throw and let wildflower seeds take root and attract bees.
The West County Museum is located at 261 S. Main Street, 707- 829-6711. It is open Thursday–Sunday, 1:00–4:00 pm.
Adults will have a bevy of beverages to enjoy during the fair, including microbrews, local ciders and wine. One of the “must try” beverages is a Honey Cider from Tilted Shed Ciderworks, created just for this year’s Gravenstein Apple Fair. Another new discovery for many will be mead, a sparkling wine made of honey.
The next exhibit at the museum will be a celebration of the centennial of the museum building, the former depot of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa electric railway, and its architect, Brainerd Jones. It will open in early October.
In the Chef’s Demonstration Tent watch local chefs like Marianna Gardenhire from Backyard Restaurant in Forestville, create magic with a California version of a Greek doughnut called Loukoumades, made with Gravenstein apples and local wild honey. More local chefs will share creative uses for Gravenstein apples, and local vendors will offer a wide variety of delicious foods.
26 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/17
(Sonoma County Regional Park passes will be accepted). FREE PARKING will be available and free shuttle service will be available at the Holy Ghost Hall and O’Reilly Media. Pets other than certified service animals are not allowed.
For the third year, the fair will offer an exclusive experience In the Artisan Tasting Lounge, where visitors pay an additional $20 to enjoy locally grown produce, artisan cheeses, and of course, local honeys.
All the favorite activities that kids and grown-ups alike have come to
love at the fair will be there for visitors to enjoy, too: music on two stages,
arts and crafts vendors galore, fresh Gravensteins and pies to take home, strolling entertainers, fun activities like the Hay Maze for the kids, family- friendly performances such as puppet shows, storytelling, sing-alongs, Circus Waldissima (the acclaimed local youth circus inspired by Waldorf Education), contests, and more. The Life on the Farm features sheep shearing, cow milking and farmer panel discussions and the Do-It-Yourself Arena offers free demos on fermentation, fiber arts, herbal medicine making, and much more.
Tickets may be purchased at GravensteinAppleFair.com, or in person at Harmony Farm, all Oliver’s Markets, and the Farm Trails office for $12 for adults and $8 for children aged 6-12. At the fair, prices increase to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Adults riding their bicycles to the fair will receive $3 off the at-gate adult ticket price (with a voucher from the Bike Parking area). Children 5 and under FREE. Premium on-site parking at Ragle Ranch Regional Park for $5/day
Visit GravensteinAppleFair.com for more information.