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Community Focus: Growing to Be the Best

Posted on: Saturday, 16 April 2005, 12:00 CDT

Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival scheduled Saturday

Debbie Manahan has heard it called the Grand Daddy, Grand Mother and Queen of herb festivals.

Whatever the moniker, the Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival is a chance for people to browse the herbs, plants, flowers, art and other accessories of more than 80 vendors.

The event began in 1989 and has grown into a festival that attracts 25,000 people annually.

"The original idea was to help these small growers have an opportunity to come together in one place," said Sylvia Fooshee, festival board member.

One of the reasons the festival has become such a success is the focus on presenting quality herbs.

"We feel we have quality vendors because we require a nursery license so we don't just get backyard plants," said Manahan, event co-chair.

A wide selection of soaps, lotions and candles will also be available as well as some more unique items.

"One lady collects stuff like old windows and paints herbs and flowers on them," Manahan said.

But the herbs and plants are the main draw, which include heirloom tomatoes and roses, such as those from Riddle Plant Farm in Sand Springs, an Herbal Affair staple that will have three booths at this year's event featuring herbs, rose bushes, decorative items and mixed planters of flowers.

"This event is good for our community because it brings in people who normally wouldn't come," said Betty Hazelton, assistant manager at Riddle. "It also brings customers into our plant farm. On the festival day, we have people parked down the road."

Education is another important aspect of the festival. Lectures on using herbs in the kitchen, growing herbs and herbal remedies are given throughout the day.

One of the most popular presentations is "Those Tasty Herbs" from Tom Bergey of the Golden Trowel Herb Farm in Newalla.

"He's incredible. Whatever he puts together is delicious," Fooshee said.

Bergey usually prepares an entire meal featuring fresh herbs, and those inattendance are able to sample the food.

To add to the atmosphere, music will be performed throughout the day at theCharles Page Triangle stage.

"It's toe-tappin' music that makes you smile. We try to stay away from rockand stick to mellow music," Manahan said.

Hay bales will be in front of the stage to provide a resting spot forshoppers or those listening to bluegrass music.

For the children, there's Peppermint Lane, a separate stage and area wherethey can play games and enjoy other activities aimed at elementary-aged kidsin a safe environment, Manahan said.

Manahan said a little rain, or a lot, won't keep the festival from happeningbecause people who want plants will come regardless.

"I've had vendors say that a bad day in Sand Springs is still better thanthe average day at other festivals," she said.

FESTIVAL

What: The Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Downtown Sand Springs

For more: Call Debbie Manahan at 245-5082.

PRESENTATIONS

10 a.m.: "From Seed to Table," by Lisa Merrell and Lisa Becklund of the Living Kitchen

11 a.m.: "Growing and Using Herbs in Green Country" by Barbara Zieschang, a garden writer from Sallisaw

1 p.m.: "Agony and Ecstasy: Gourds in the Garden" by Jan Meng of Hungry Holler in Eucha

2 p.m.: "Herbal Remedies that Work" by Jim Long of Long Creek Herb Farm in Blue Eyes, Mo.

3 p.m.: "Those Tasty Herbs: Part IX" by Tom Bergey of Golden Trowel Herb Farm in Newalla

ENTERTAINMENT

8:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Dulcimer Magic

9:45 to 10:45 a.m.: Happy Cloggers

11 a.m. to noon: Shelby Eicher and Mark Bruner

Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Hometown Hero presentation

12:30 to 1 p.m.: Shelby Eicher and Mark Bruner

1:15 to 2:15 p.m: Ruby's Begonia

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Dulcimer Magic

3:45 to 4:45 p.m.: The Eicher Family

Source: Tulsa World

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