Fall Garden Faire No More

Update -
For folks who have found this entry via a Web search, please note it is dated and no longer applicable. The Faire is on for 2007.

ETTG is sad to report that one of upstate New York’s finest gardening events, East Aurora’s Fall Garden Faire, will not be taking place this year.

Traditionally held the second weekend in September, the event was formerly hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, with volunteer management. In 2005, lacking county support, it was produced by volunteers and funded privately.

Co-chair Sally Cunningham said, “It was painful to see this end, as it was so loved by both the public and the vendors…. The final 'Faire' in East Aurora's Hamlin Park was a real pinnacle for us, just the perfect setting, a magical aura, the feeling of a country gardening festival—beauty and joy all around—but there aren't enough hours or financial [resources] to do it, volunteers are exhausted, and sometimes things have to change. It was wonderful—ten years, quite an achievement—and I am proud we ended it on such a glorious note. Cngratulations to all who helped!”

Cunningham and co-chair Kathy Guest Shadrack thanked all of the volunteers, industry participants, vendors, and attendees who have been active with the Faire over the past ten years.

Free Business Analysis Service Available to Greenhouse Operations

ITHACA - Cornell University is offering business analysis services for greenhouse operations through the Greenhouse Business Summary Program. The program helps greenhouse operators evaluate financial performance of a business in relation to industry benchmarks and use this information to improve bottom-line and make management decisions involving pricing, investment, and more.

Supported by a grant from the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI), this program is free to New York greenhouse growers in 2006 and 2007. A Cornell greenhouse business specialist will work with the greenhouse operator to conduct a profitability analysis for the business. The business will receive a customized financial analysis report and a performance comparison with others in the industry.

More information is available on the Cornell Greenhouse Summary Program at http://hortmgt.aem.cornell.edu/programs/hortbusiness.htm.

Another Great Odyssey

P6030007.JPG
Originally uploaded by Jane Milliman.

Saturday we conducted our 3rd annual, and best ever, Odyssey to Ithaca. Despite some minor navigation errors and, well, the constant rain, a good time was had by all. Money was spent. Items aquired. Chocolate eaten. Next year, insstead of 12 hours, should we just go straight for the whole 24?