In Pictures: The 2013 Harvest Palooza!

By David F. Rooney

The North Columbia Environmental Society’s annual Harvest Palooza was held on Friday from 4 until 7 pm as part of the Cornucopia Festival. There was music, the usual display of unusual vegetables, a tasty potluck and a lor of fun mingling with friends and neighbours.

Here are a few photos I hope you’ll enjoy:

The North Columbia Environmental Society's annual Harvest Palooza looked inviting when it opened its doors at the United Church on Friday at 4 pm. David F. Rooney photo
The North Columbia Environmental Society’s annual Harvest Palooza looked inviting when it opened its doors at the United Church on Friday at 4 pm. David F. Rooney photo
Jennifer Greenwood and Heather Hood drink tea and chat as they man the front door. Entry was by donation. David F. Rooney photo
Jennifer Greenwood and Heather Hood drink tea and chat as they man the front door. Entry was by donation. David F. Rooney photo
Master Gardner John Campbell describes his recipe for growing huge squash to Curt and Andrea Pont. Check out those monster Blue Hubbard (front let) and Green Hubbard (by John's feet) squash. How does he do it? Here's a hint: horse manure. Beyond that you'll have to wait for publication of the NCES's new book on local master gardeners b Laura Stovel. David F. Rooney photo
Master Gardner John Campbell describes his recipe for growing huge squash to Curt and Andrea Pont. Check out those monster Blue Hubbard (front let) and Green Hubbard (by John’s feet) squash. How does he do it? Here’s a hint: horse manure. Beyond that you’ll have to wait for publication of the NCES’ new book on local master gardeners b Laura Stovel. David F. Rooney photo
Event Coordinator Amy Flexman knows an odd vegetable or two... Here she weighs up a carrot one of two entries from her garden in the Harvest Palooza mutant vegie contest. David F. Rooney photo
Event Coordinator Amy Flexman knows an odd vegetable or two… Here she weighs up a carrot one of two entries from her garden in the Harvest Palooza mutant vegie contest. David F. Rooney photo
There were activities small children could do with their mums and dads... David F. Rooney photo
There were activities small children could do with their mums and dads… David F. Rooney photo
... or they could have some fun with Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program (GASP)  students River Kelly and Charlie Sykes. David F. Rooney photo
… or they could have some fun with Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program (GASP) students River Kelly and Charlie Sykes. David F. Rooney photo
Master Gardeners Sam Olynyk and John Campbell answer a few questions from Erin Wilkins whose daughter, Olive, was mesmerized by the photographer. David F. Rooney photo
Master Gardeners Sam Olynyk and John Campbell answer a few questions from Erin Wilkins whose daughter, Olive, was mesmerized by the photographer. David F. Rooney photo
Jennifer Greenwood enjoys the small display on Revelstoke's master gardeners. David F. Rooney photo
Jennifer Greenwood enjoys the small display on Revelstoke’s master gardeners. David F. Rooney photo
Matt Keeler snags a tasty looking cookie for dessert. The potluck supper was pretty good. David F. Rooney photo
Matt Keeler snags a tasty looking cookie for dessert. The potluck supper was pretty good. David F. Rooney photo
Jodi Lavigne (center back) offered up carrot soup and fresh, homemade bread for the pot luck. Her soup and bread were absolutely terrific! It was all I needed to re-energize after a long day taking photos. Thanks Jodi! David F. Rooney photo
Jodi Lavigne (center back) offered up carrot soup and fresh, homemade bread for the pot luck. Her soup and bread were absolutely terrific! It was all I needed to re-energize after a long day taking photos. Thanks Jodi! David F. Rooney photo
Sam Olynyk (left) and John Campbell enjoy a chat with Laura Stovel. Both master gardeners figure in Laura's book, which she is writing for the North Columbia Environmental Society. David F. Rooney photo
Sam Olynyk (left) and John Campbell enjoy a chat with Laura Stovel. Both master gardeners figure in Laura’s book, which she is writing for the North Columbia Environmental Society. David F. Rooney photo
These gorgeous looking tiny pears  came with a reminder from Bear Aware. David F. Rooney photo
These gorgeous looking tiny pears came with a reminder from Bear Aware. David F. Rooney photo
So who won this year's mutant vegie contest? Heather Hood does the Vann thing — drum roll please! David F. Rooney photo
So who won this year’s mutant vegie contest? Heather Hood does the Vanna thing — drum roll please! David F. Rooney photo
And here's the winner! Call it a Franken-carrot, a Chernobyl-carrot or a Cthulu-carrot this offering from Erin Wilkins wasn't very big but it certainly was different. David F. Rooney photo
And here’s the winner! Call it a Franken-carrot, a Chernobyl-carrot or a Cthulu-carrot this offering from Erin Wilkins wasn’t very big but it certainly was different. David F. Rooney photo
Alan Laidlaw, Brandon Haney and Steve Earle played some excellent covers to entertain the Harvest Palooza crowd. The Rev is one of our community's popular musical groups. David F. Rooney photo
Alan Laidlaw, Brandon Haney and Steve Earle played some excellent covers to entertain the Harvest Palooza crowd.  David F. Rooney photo
And on that note we'll exit the 2013 Harvest Palooza as we entered it — out the main door. It was nice way to end the afternoon. Kudos to the NCES for hosting this nicely homespun affair. David F. Rooney photo
And on that note we’ll exit the 2013 Harvest Palooza as we entered it — out the main door. It was a nice way to end the afternoon. Kudos to the NCES for hosting this nicely homespun affair. David F. Rooney photo