by Noella Noelophile®
(Poster by Tom Hardcastle, copyright 2019, and used with permission.)
Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is coming to an end. Unless…
After sixteen years, OVLF hosts its final Lavender Festival in Ojai’s Libbey Park on Saturday, June 29th. They’ll have more than 100 vendors, live music, speakers, games and prizes. Admission and parking are free, and there’s a free shuttle service.
And lavender will be in evidence in every type of use–from lemonade to ice cream to hand soaps.
That’s because the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is always held on the final Saturday in June, to coincide with Ojai’s peak lavender bloom. Think “gorgeous” and go several steps beyond that, and you’ll have a pretty clear mental picture.
Now think “talented”–and go several steps beyond that.
So, why does 2019 mark the final Lavender Festival?
Certainly, nonprofit Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, Inc., a/k/a OVLF, has never lost its passion for the production and uses of lavender. Their 2019 festival will feature a wide array of lavender honey, aromatherapy and beauty products (their soap is a favorite!), decadent desserts and libations with lavender.
Nor have they lost their interest in showcasing the gifts of artisans and musicians, and the passion of local community groups for their causes.
Lavender-inspired products this year will include jewelry, clothing, pottery, candles, and the list goes on!
Meanwhile, the festival will host an all-day lineup of fantastic musicians, starting right off at 10 am with Richard Kaller on Libbey Park’s front patio. At the music gazebo, you’ll get to hear the Old-Time Fiddlers, Lynn Mullins and Coyote Creek and Cindy Kalmenson and the Lucky Ducks.
(Photograph courtesy of Diana Hatcher, and used with permission.)
But–the amazing job OVLF has been doing for sixteen years has been the result of an all-volunteer team. Led by Executive Director Neil Friedrichsen, President Cindy Mullins and Vice President Joy Brown, that team is now ready to retire.
“OVLF’s small, hard-working team has come to the difficult decision to dissolve the non-
profit, end the festivals, and focus individual energies elsewhere,” the group explained in a press release.
(Photograph courtesy of Diana Hatcher, and used with permission.)
“Ideally, OVLF had hoped new members would come forward to join the organization and lead it into the future. But, alas, that has not been the case. So this year OVLF will host its final Ojai Valley Lavender Festival on June 29th.”
BUT…but.
Do you know anyone who’d be interested in assuming the “lavender mantel”? As in, a group or organization who would like to put their hearts and souls into keeping this fantastic event going?
If so, please have them contact Cindy Mullins at ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org to learn more.
(Photograph courtesy of Diana Hatcher, and used with permission.)
Now, upfront–this will be a LOT of work. All the setup, coordination, planning and cleanup, that go along with hosting an annual event of this magnitude (OVLF tells us the festival draws more than 5,000 visitors to Ojai annually!) would be a labor of love. And no matter how much team members love the Festival, a hard truth is that even the most talented people have only two hands.
But if you have a committed small group who love crafts, community and artists, this could be an opportunity for you–and for them.
Meanwhile, if you have time on Saturday, June 29th, how about running by Ojai and showing them some “lavender love” as they host their final festival?
OVLF, we’re keeping a good thought for you! Thank you for a fantastic fifteen years of crafts, celebration and lavender. Hope your 16th Lavender Festival is a great one–and that someone steps up to keep it going.
The sixteenth annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival happens Saturday, June 29th, from 10 am to 5 pm in Libbey Park, 210 South Signal Street, south of East Ojai Avenue. Admission and parking are free, and a free shuttle is available.