The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Lebanon Valley Business Assn. Celebrates Herb History In New Lebanon

By

The first annual Mount Lebanon HerbFest celebrates the intertwining of herbs, local history and some highly topical interests in the heart of the Lebanon Valley, the birthplace of herbal pharmacy in the U.S. Taking place both in downtown New Lebanon and on the Shaker grounds of the Darrow School, the HerbFest explores the role of herbs in food, gardens, medicine and health from the early days of the Native Americans to present times.
The two day festival will start on June 9 with downtown events sponsored by local businesses around herbs. Restaurants and stores marked by green balloons will provide samples and promotions based around herbs as well as discounts on meals, products and services. Guided walks and talks with a focus on herbs take place in several local venues. Local lodging establishments are offering special rates to festival attendees.
On June 10, the HerbFest moves to the historic Shaker grounds of Mount Lebanon on the Darrow School campus. Thirty workshops, walks and seminars include hands-on sessions that utilize herbs for a variety of products, speak to their medicinal and curative powers and show how they shaped the natural and economic landscape. Local herb gardens will be open for guided viewing. Cooks will demonstrate techniques with herbs, and garden experts will speak about growing them.
The Chefs Consortium will offer an herb-themed lunch for sale. Vendors, food, family events and strolling musicians complement the HerbFest offerings. Guests will have a choice of new events hourly, starting at 10 am and ending at 4 pm. They can also stop in at the Farmer’s Market downtown, whose vendors will highlight the herbs in their local products.
Admission to the June 10 activities is $10 per person or $20 per family. Registration is suggested at www.mountlebanonherbfest.com. The HerbFest is held rain or shine.
The HerbFest is a project of the Lebanon Valley Business Association, a local organization encouraging local commerce and community growth.
More information about the Mount Lebanon HerbFest is available online at www.mountlebanonherbfest.com.
For more information or a vendor application, contact Linda Hursa at 518-794-8800 or angelstrumpetflowers@yahoo.com.