Vivian Henderson’s Stanwood cottage won’t be shown at the 2009 Harvest Jubilee she organizes for Camano Island, Stanwood and Silvana.
The event isn’t about her; it’s about her passion to sustain farming. Owners of small and large spreads gain exposure for their hard work.
“We really appreciate her,” said Dale Slyngstad, who owns Simple Produce. “I don’t know where she gets her energy.”
Henderson organizes the jubilee planned for Sept. 19. Dozens of small farmers open their gates to show off operations, charm families with fun activities, and sell goods.
Slyngstad owns Simple Produce with her husband, Tom, at 7910 Thomle Road, three miles south of Stanwood. They’ll have their own home-grown produce for sale, such as winter squash, and give tours during the jubilee.
“We are organic,” Slyngstad said. “People want to know how we get rid of weeds and bugs.”
The jubilee may boost sales for the small farm. Visitors will see the orchard and perhaps make note to return later for apples.
At Simple Produce, Slyngstad said they appreciate the opportunity to market products.
“Vivian doesn’t have to do any of this,” Slyngstad said. “She is such a dynamo.”
Henderson lives near the Slyngstads. Her property overlooks the farm where she grew up in the Stillaguamish River Valley. Her mother, Lois Henderson, cooked for the farm hands and the family using produce from her enormous garden.
In her teen years, Henderson couldn’t wait to get out of town after she graduated from Stanwood High School. Her father, Joe Henderson, died when she was in college. Her mother leased the farm and eventually sold most of the land.
Henderson moved back some 15 years ago with her husband, Quentin Mitchell.
When the local historical society put on a fall festival in 2004, members resurrected the idea from a 1930s-era jubilee put on by the Commercial Club. Vivian Henderson said she recognized the need to promote farming and wondered who would stick with the project.
“I just did it,” she said. “It’s been fun. I work on it year round.”
Her quaint cottage home features ivy vines creeping up brick walls.
“I try to tell myself I’m living in France,” Henderson said. “I like to entertain and cook farm dinners.”
At a Henderson dinner party, guests may savor a plum tart tatin. She began cooking her own late-September feast after she retired in 2001 from health care administration. In her organic garden, Henderson grows shallots and sun chokes she sells to chichi Seattle restaurants. She said she would like to see the day when we are all on the same page about growing things naturally.
Organic methods will be featured at the 2009 Harvest Jubilee. Some farms will offer hay rides, exhibits, demonstrations, pumpkins and an opportunity to see a huge draft horse or an alpaca. In downtown Stanwood, enjoy breakfast, arts and crafts, plants and produce, games, music, and dancing.
For more information about the Harvest Jubilee Festival, call 360-629-0562 or visit www.harvestjubilee.org.
Keep the map and farm guide you’ll be given to follow the route. Refer to it year round to learn about local farm activities, tours of an orchid nursery, you-pick opportunities, where to get fresh cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings and where to ride a horse.
Henderson produced the informative guide.
“I’ve had a vision for our community for a long time,” Henderson said. “We’re creating a warm and supportive atmosphere for anyone who wants to grow anything.”
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
