By Willa Wick
HARRISTON – Eighteen years ago the seed was planted.
Diane Ireland-Kelly had recently joined the executive of the Harriston and District Horticultural Society and envisioned an attraction that would put the society on the map and be an ongoing drawing card for gardeners all over the country.
Based on a design similar to the Durham Herb Fair, the Harriston Garden Festival was to have vendors of plant material, and crafters whose items were garden related. The date was set as the first Saturday in June to coincide with the firefighters breakfast in Harriston.
A lot of work went into that first festival, as planning had to be done for the unknown with nothing for comparison, and things went on a “wing and a prayer”.
That first festival was a huge success. The weather was perfect; Mill Street Park was filled with colorful vendors; a Bluegrass band provided background music; raffle tickets were sold and prizes drawn; refreshments were available; and the crowd was impressive. In the morning, volunteers would direct folks across the river to enjoy the Firemen’s Breakfast, while at the breakfast, ticket sellers were advising people to go check out the festival when they were done eating.
The whole event went so smoothly that the second year there were very few bugs to iron out.
Several years were spent at Mill Street Park and then for a change the front lawn of the Seniors’ Centre (former train station) provided a different exposure.
Still going strong
Eighteen years later, the festival is still going strong.
As things grew, both the breakfast and the festival moved to the Harriston-Minto Community Centre, Linda Campbell became the coordinator, the pavilion provided shelter in case of rain, with much more convenient parking; and the sandwich lunch switched to a barbecue.
To see the brochure with the list of participants, check the Harriston and District Horticultural Society’s Facebook page.
This year’s festival will be held on June 1, from 8am to 2pm. The firefighters will again offer breakfast at the community centre and the horticultural society will offer shopping opportunities at the garden festival.
“This is a free event where you can wander at your leisure,” organizers note.
Willa Wick is a master gardener and a member of the Harriston and District Horticultural Society.
