On Thursday, October 18th the LEAF Community celebrated the successful completion of an inaugural season with a wonderfully successful event, the LEAF Fall Harvest Festival.

The event, which took place on the steps of the new Lakewood Public Library building, drew a diverse, inter-generational mix of Lakewoodites. Children were delighted to participate in a range of activities including coloring, bobbing for apples, decorating pumpkins and making caramel-covered apples and popcorn. The caramel was made from scratch by LEAF volunteers who also prepared an assortment of freshly cooked dishes with vegetables from our local farmers. All food was offered to the public for a suggested donation.

With the help of Pickering Hill Farms in Avon, straw bales were used to create a barrier between the street and library lawn, allowing children to play within a safe space. Parents were able to relax and enjoy food, drink and conversation with neighbors as their children immersed themselves in constructive activity. Next to the children’s area, Covered Bridge Gardens of Ashtabula sold carving pumpkins and an assortment of candied, raw and roasted nuts and popcorn. Thanks to all those families who chose to purchase their pumpkins from a local, independent venue.

During the festival, the LEAF Gallery hosted children’s artwork. Mark and Jack opened a night of wholesome, home-grown folk music and Gary Nelson brought it to a close. Both acts make regular appearances at the Lakewood Phoenix Café. The LEAF Community would like to thank all the artists and musicians who donated their talent and time this summer. Your sights and sounds add an element critical to the success of this community endeavor.

Perhaps the greatest success of the evening was the pie baking contest. So, with no further ado, here are the results!

The winners of the first annual LEAF Harvest Festival Pie Bake-Off are:

Best Pie (Taste): Heidi Hilty "Heidi's Harvest Apple Pie" - $25 Rozi's Gift Card
Runner-up: Christina McCallum "Sour Cherry Pie" - $5 Lion and Blue Gift Certificate

Best Crust: Heidi Hilty "Heidi's Harvest Apple Pie" - $20 Lion and Blue Gift Certificate
Runner-up: Ali Stahlheber "Hubbard Squash Pie" - $5 Lion and Blue Gift Certificate

Most Original: Julie Breitenstein "Apple Chai Pie" - $10 Bela Dubby & $10 Souper Market Gift Certificates
Runner-up: Laura Abrahamsen "Sweet Potato/Squash Pie" - $5 Lion and Blue Gift Certificate

Thanks to Rozi's, Lion and Blue, Bela Dubby and Souper Market for your generous donations! LEAF Community is dedicated to locally sustainable networks of exchange. Please patronize these local merchants!

The Best Eater Award is shared by Chef Geoff and Stan Austin. Thanks to Bill Gruhlich for serving up the pie slices. Without him a mob would have overtaken the table and made quick work of the pies!

Congratulations to the winners and also to all of the pie bakers. The voting was very close, and more importantly, the pies were all delicious and were truly enjoyed by all. Following the contest, only stray crumbs remained.

Since the end of June, the LEAF Community has been bringing local produce, music and art to the steps of the new Lakewood Public Library building on Detroit Road each Thursday evening between six and eight p.m. Every week, a small community festival appears at LPL with the arrival of dedicated legions of LEAF Community volunteers and the indispensable assistance from LPL Maintenance and Youth and Children’s Services employees.

City Fresh will continue to offer Community Supported Agriculture shares through the LEAF Community for a limited number of dates, including November 1st, November 15th and December 6th. If you’re interested in purchasing a share bag for any or all of these dates, please visit us in person this Thursday at the Lakewood Public Library Main Library between 6 and 8 pm, or send us an email info@leafcommunity.org Orders must be placed one week prior to the delivery date.

Don’t forget, if you’re a Covered Bridge Gardens participant who ordered a “Fall Storage Pack”, that produce will be delivered to the November 15th LEAF Night at the Lakewood Public Library. If you intend to register for next season, please do so as early as possible. Contact your farmer if you have any questions or need a copy of the 2008 registration form.

Thanks to everyone who came out to participate at LEAF Nights throughout this season. We look forward to next year! Please spread the word, recruit your friends and neighbors.