Community Relations
For Immediate Release
October 8, 2012
Contact:
Guinevere Higgins
City Schoolyard Garden
434-806-6157
grow@cityschoolyardgarden.org
Media Release
Buford Middle School to Host Fall Harvest Festival
Third annual event boasts free food & live music; fun for all ages
For the third year in a row, Buford Middle School, City Schoolyard Garden, and the Buford Parent Teacher Organization will host the Fall Harvest Festival on October 19, from 5 – 8pm on the grounds of Buford Middle School. The event is a community celebration of food, the Buford Schoolyard Garden, and the season. Attractions include old-fashioned cider pressing, activities for kids, garden tours, a craft fair, free food, and live music by the Downbeat Project. The event is free and open to anyone in the community.
“We love the Fall Harvest Festival, because it’s an opportunity to welcome the community into our school,” says Buford principal Eric Johnson. “We see Buford as more than just a school – it’s a community center.”
In addition to free food provided by the Korner Restaurant, Albemarle Baking Company, the PB&J Fund, the Local Food Hub, and Whole Foods Market, this year’s Fall Harvest Festival will also feature a return of the wildly popular Iron Chef Soup Competition; using a secret seasonal ingredient, Buford’s cooking clubs will compete for honors including Culinary Creativity, Best Soup Story, Best Price, and the People’s Choice Award. And if you’re feeling lucky, you can enter a free raffle for a chance to win a harvest basket from the Buford garden, or gift cards from Mona Lisa Pasta and Sticks Kebob Shop. Buford’s AVID Program also will be hosting a mini craft fair in the cafeteria, featuring vendors selling handmade crafts, baked goods and more. Additional support for the event is provided by Barton Malow Company.
“We love this event, because it brings so many people together to celebrate one of our city’s wonderful schools, and also one of the most productive and beautiful seasons in the garden,” says City Schoolyard Garden board chair and festival organizer Lisa Drake. “We’re looking forward to showcasing Buford’s garden, as well as just having a good time.”
What: The 3rd annual Fall Harvest Festival at Buford Middle School
Where: The grounds of Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Ave, Charlottesville. Free parking is available in the school lot.
When: Friday, October 19, 5 – 8pm.
Who: Buford Middle School, Eric Johnson, Principal, www.ccs.k12.va.us/schools/buford, City Schoolyard Garden, Linda Winecoff, Program Director; Emily Axelbaum, Garden Educator. www.cityschoolyardgarden.org and the Buford Middle School Parent Teacher Organization, Leslie Thacker, Vice-President, www.bufordpto.com
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