The October 2006 Harvest Festival was a great success in all respects. Even though the weather presented a challenge for us this year, we had inquisitive crouds where they saw our terrific displays of fruit.

   We put on a terrific show. Highlights included having nearly 100 different apple varieties on display and for tasting! We had a chance to demonstrate our four year old apple cider press. It worked flawlessly. The public seemed to particularly welcome the cider press, which generated a continuous crowd waiting to sample the free cider.
  Like last year, we had some pawpaws which we cut up. This gave many who visited us the opportunity to taste this unusual and easily gown fruit.

  There was a lot to see. We had a demonstration of apple dehydrating, and samples were given out. American persimmons and Asian pears were on display and also available for tasting, as were black walnuts and wild hazelnuts. Other displays included many different European and Asian pear varieties. Visitors could taste a slice of an heirloom apple. MidFEx volunteers were always on hand and answered many gardening-related questions.


  Even though the weather presented a challenge for us this year, we enjoyed good sales on both days. This year we sold all of the apple and peach butters on the first day. Our weekend's sales where brisk. We had carefully chosen 15 varities of apples to sell, and some of the best Asian pears you've ever tasted. We had an opportunity to sell pears for the first time in three years. They sold out on the first day. Also, we enrolled several new members this year.

This year our festival returned to the Chicago Botanical Garden. The new set up Educational Center worked out well. The Chicago Botanical Garden staff was helpful and supportive.

2007 promises to be much better as we continually add new items and improve on existing displays.

Return to MidFEx's home page for detailed information

about this year's Harvest Festival 2007