harvest walkabout: part two

harvest walkabout: part two

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I spent a little time today editing and formatting the planning documents from last weekend’s harvest walkabout in case you are interested in how we put it together (and/or hosting one in your neighborhood!).

It may be found on the ‘Community Events (Resources)’ page on my website at http://dirtandsunshine.com/sample_community-events.html. You will also find free, downloadable banners for a block party, garden tour, harvest walkabout and holiday walkabout.

We’re excited to have made our local paper today; the article may be found online at http://www.mercurynews.com/sunnyvale/ci_16097088?source=rss (a PDF with photos included is on the aforementioned community resources page).

Below is an excerpt from the planning/wrap-up document:

How we did it: After soliciting interest within our neighborhood (we suggest email, Yahoo Group, flyer distribution, etc.), we put together a team to organize the event and mapped out the following tasks:

1. Determine date and time for the event [our area was defined as within the boundaries of the neighborhood association].
2. Create event description/invitations to send to neighbors via Yahoo Group.
3. Find hosts for 2-3 refreshment stations.
4. Find cul-de-sac or space for final gathering area.
5. Solicit donations/raffle prizes from local garden shops.
6. Contact local farm stands/community gardens about participating.
7. Collect brochures, flyers and other items for ‘building community’ table.
8. Create map highlighting donor and refreshment stops.
9. Create downloadable (PDF) sign for garden donations, post on website.
10. Ask for a tentative head count/RSVP for walkers and donors.
11. If necessary, purchase beverages [water, iced tea, lemonade, juice boxes] and snacks [in the end, all were homemade, including lemonade and iced tea].
12. Contact local newspaper about media coverage.
13. Invite local senior centers or convalescent homes. [Idylwood contacted us; we recommend your reaching out to them!]
14. Invite local city council.
15. Print signs, pick produce, set up driveway stands and community table(s).
16. Solicit feedback from neighbors [what went well, what could be improved] – offer raffle prizes for all feedback entries.
17. ENJOY the fruits of the harvest and fellowship with neighbors!