By Pat McNamara
Elgin’s seasonal Sky Island winds did not discourage a record crowd of 1,700 from attending Firesky Farm’s third annual Lavender Harvest & Craft Libations Festival. Live music and the lovely scent from the field of over 7,000 lavender plants greeted the public as they entered the large welcome tent. A second tent featured local vineyards, distilleries and breweries offering tastings of their various beverages, and food trucks were in abundance to satiate a variety of appetites as well.
Tours of the many lavender fields were available either by foot or, for the little tots, in a colorful “tot train.” Local artisans were also present with their many wares and handmade items, and attendees could participate in classes to learn how to make various items from the lavender plants. An unusual feature was a tent housing a worm farm where the “farmers” informed the public of the value that these lowly creatures offer to our various agricultural ventures.
Plenty of parking and a well-organized entry process made for a pleasant experience, despite the blustery wind and occasional blowing dust.
All aboard! Kids take a ‘tot train’ guided tour of the lavender farm grounds during last Saturday’s festival. Photo by Pat McNamara 
Live music and the lovely scent from the field of over 7,000 lavender plants greeted the public as they arrived at Firesky Farm’s third annual Lavender Harvest & Craft Libations Festival. Photo by Pat McNamara 
A record crowd of 1,700 were on hand for the all-day event. Photo by Pat McNamara 
Local artisans were present with their many wares and handmade items. Photo by Pat McNamara 
Salespeople peddled Snake Oil products at the festival. The beverages, made with herbs and electrolytes, help recovery from too many adult beverages. Photo by Pat McNamara