The Fall Festival

Last Sunday, we trekked to Kersey, Colorado, about an hour northeast of Denver, for the Harvest Festival with the Monroe Organic Farms farmers and fellow CSA members. We enjoyed a potluck lunch in which members got to show off the myriad ways we've been using all of our farm-fresh produce, including fresh-pressed apple cider; watermelon fresca; zucchini muffins, cookies, and cupcakes; all kinds of delicious cold salads and veggie side dishes; and (our contribution) pear cobbler; followed by a fun afternoon on the farm.

 Blanden was excited to put on his fireman rain/mud boots upon arrival. There wasn't quite as much mud as he had hoped for, but he is always happy to be wearing his boots. 

 Striking sunflowers. (Photo by Ed)

 The boys picked chili peppers. (Photo by Ed)

 Blanden liked the "banana style" ones ...

 With Ed, they gathered a huge crateful, some of which are still waiting to be roasted on our grill. And I have a feeling that Jalapeno cream cheese bison burgers, Ed's favorite, are on the menu in the near future.

 Even Ellis got into the picking action. We just had to keep a close eye on him to be sure he didn't decide to take an impromptu nibble! 

 Blanden got to ride atop a mule. (Photo by Ed)

 The farmers brought in some mules to pull old-fashioned plows and discs to show how farms were worked before tractors came along. Monroe Organic Farms has been "rooted in Colorado for 75 years," so the current farm owner's father actually plowed this same soil like this in the 1930s. Pretty cool! (Photo by Ed) 

 Next up: A hayride to the pumpkin patch! Ellis found the perfect pumpkin. (Photo by Ed)

 Blanden raised his hand for the farmer to come cut his perfect pumpkin off the vine. (Photo by Ed)

 He tried to carry it all by himself -- but then quickly asked Dad for help. (Photo by Ed)

 Then it was time to climb and play in the hay bales ... 

 And, of course, whatever Big Brother does, Little Brother must do too. He was not content to have been left behind at the bottom. 

Our summer veggie shares last one more month, although we're thinking of participating in the winter storage share this year as well...What a great day. The perfect kickoff to fall!