Demonstrations at the 2011 Southwest Michigan Harvest Fest

Rain or Shine!

Local Medicine & Wild Edible Plants
Noon to 1:00 PM; Meet behind the Woodshop
Shawna Greenway with her boys
Take a walk with Shawna to learn about wild edible and medicine plants native to the Midwest. Not all foods are found in the garden, or medicines at the pharmacy.
Rain Barrel Demonstration
1:30PM to 2:30PM
Did you know that over 1,000 gallons of water runs off of the average roof (1,700 ft) in every normal rain storm event? Rain barrels are an ideal way homeowners can conserve water by collecting rain water and then reusing it for watering flowers, gardens and lawns, particularly in time of drought. Rain barrels are also a great way to help protect our local waterways from polluted storm water runoff. Find out from AJ Brucks (Van Buren Conservation District) how easy it is to build your own rain barrel! (A limited number of Rain Barrel Kits available for purchase at event; $35)
Vermicomposting
3:00PM to 4:00PM
Vermicomposting is a system for turning food waste into potting soil with the help of worms. You place food waste in your worm bin. The worms turn it into plant food. You use the plant food to grow vegetables in your garden, or attractive flowers to delight your senses. If you compost your garbage with worms, you help the environment. Flowerfield Enterprises will show you how and answers any questions you may have.
Old-time Farming Skills
All Day, throughout the Festival site
Enjoy demonstrations and activities provided by Tillers International, including
  • Blacksmithing
  • Coopering
  • Chair Caning
  • Oxen Plowing
  • Draft Horse Hay Rides
  • Sorghum Pressing with Animal Power
  • plus… Museum & Re-Invention Lab
A team of oxen
Spinning & Weaving
All Day
Watch as members of the Weaver's Guild of Kalamazoo demonstrate the traditional crafts of spinning and weaving. The group will amaze you with the simple pleasure and beauty of spinning yarn by hand and by wheel. Members create all kinds of lovely and useful projects, from baskets to blankets. Weaver's Guild welcomes beginners, and even has equipment for rental.
Woman outdoors at spinning wheel
Last updated Sep 2011
 ©2011 Southwest Michigan Harvest Fest