11/11/23 // A Squirrely Kind-Of Gathering at Ruby Ranch in Candler! // 12-6p
Villagers and the Ruby Ranch invite you to enjoy an afternoon of family, community, learning, playing, eating and more! It’s fall, the air is crisp, the leaves are beautiful, and it’s a wonderful time to come together in joy and celebration.
FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:
- FOOD + LIVE MUSIC
- Locally sourced veg + meat chili (vegan option available)
- CLASSES + DEMONSTRATIONS
- Roasting Chestnuts (and eating them too!)
- Local Vendors
- Hayrides
- Mini mini pony dance
- Bonfires
Schedule
Take a walk down to the creek, through the wildflower fields and then cuddle up by the fire and enjoy some roasted chestnuts.
Some chairs are onsite, but feel free to bring a cozy chair of your own and your favorite mug to fill with fresh brewed herbal teas..
1:30p and again at 3:00p: Biochar from Black Walnut Hulls Demo
Justin Holt, of the Asheville Nuttery, will be making biochar from black walnut shells and roasting North Carolina-grown Chinese chestnuts on the kiln while the biochar cooks. Drop by to talk nuts and biochar and buy some hot, roasted chestnuts. Justin will demo firing up the kiln and the process of making biochar at 1:30 and again at 3.
Asheville Nuttery will be accepting deliveries of acorns and hickories at the event. Bring your nuts to us, let us do the processing and receive cash or finished product in trade. Details for how to be a part of the collective nut harvest are at www.AshevilleNuttery.com
2:30p-3:30p: Harvest to Pantry w/ Beatrice Nathan- $10-15-20 Sliding Scale
Canning workshops are great ways to learn the safest techniques for canning and preserving our summertime bounty.
Beatrice Nathan is a home gardener, permaculturalist, community builder, homemaker, and activist for a different way to live with the natural world. She believes that everyone has the right and the ability to participate in the food system.
** MUSIC BEGINS AT 2PM**
3:30p-4:30p: Plant Propagation w/ George Brabant, aka the Phat Ninja - $26
George Brabant, of Phat Ninja Foodforest, propagates hundreds of food producing fruit nut, and berry plants and bushes every year. Through the years, we have learned a few things about propagation and love to share our experiences. We will talk about propagation techniques including hardwood, softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings, and stool layering, We will discuss the best time for each propagation method, seed(nut) saving, and stratification. We will touch on other propagation methods such as rootstocks, grafting, and the promotion of suckering.
2:00p-400p: Music + Chili + Tea OH MY!
We will be dining on what is seasonally available from farm and forage to a feast that will tantalize all of your tastebuds! Our dear friend David Matter, from Life Like Water, will be infusing the air with music inspired by nature and community.
Check out Life Like Water: https://www.llwmusic.com/
from Ruby Roost Farm in Marshall, NC
Celery
Great Northern Beans + Pinto Beans
***CANCELLATION POLICY***
Cancellation by Villagers:
If a class needs to be cancelled because (1) it does not meet the minimum number of registrations or (2) due to inclement weather, you will be notified by email 24 hrs in advance. Please check your email 24 hrs prior to class. For cancellations by Villagers, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellation by Student:
If you cancel within 48 hours of the class, you will receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations with less that 48 hrs notice are not eligible for a refund.
If you do not show up and do not give notice, your registration fee will be treated as a donation to the teacher and Villagers.