Crowds flock to harvest festival

By Helena Adeloju
Held on the fourth Sunday of November each year, The Lavender Harvest Festival has become something of an iconic Yarra Valley tradition.
The harvest festival, now in its ninth year at the Warratina Lavender Farm, will feature a celebration of traditional lavender harvesting along with demonstrations of crafts and skills of yesteryear, including lace making, spinning, wood-turning and blacksmithing.
This year’s festival will be a feast for the senses with locally produced food, wine and boutique beer to enjoy, in the fragrant fields of the six-acre Warratina property.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy, with a jumping castle and horse cart rides set to be a winner with the kids.
To top it off there will be music and dancing aplenty with Highland Pipe Bands, Scottish and Irish dancing displays and Blackburn High School concert band providing a day jam packed with entertainment.
Get into the spirit of this year’s harvest festival, where you can buy freshly picked lavender from traditionally dressed harvesters.
Warratina Lavender Farm employee Jan Oakley said the Warratina Farm team is looking forward to hosting the festival this year and is hoping the turn-out is even bigger than last year.
For those with a sweet tooth, the home made lavender scones and Yarra Valley lavender honey ice-cream are not to be missed.
Proceeds from the day will be donated to the local Country Fire Authority group of Wandin/Seville and Gruyere.
The Lavender Harvest Festival will be in full swing from 9am-5pm on November 23.
Adult: $10
Child/Concession: $5
Family: $25