SEQUIM — The fields in the Sequim area are turning beautifully purple and green and if you can’t wait one more week for Sequim’s Lavender Weekend, you can get a head start this weekend with the Washington Lavender Festival at Washington Lavender Farm, 965 Finn Hall Road.
The weekend is a preview for the following days of everything lavender — food, crafts, u-pick, cooking demonstrations, kids activities, handcrafted lavender products, essential oil distillation demonstrations, an afternoon tea and other events.
Admission to the festival is free, but reservations are required for the afternoon tea.
Due to the nagging congestion and repeated traffic-related issues on U.S. Highway 101 and the Old Olympic Highway over the Sequim Lavender Weekend, July 20-22, the organizers want to help spread out the traffic in a more tourist-friendly way that will allow visitors to choose more than just one weekend of festivities, they said.
Lavender expert Victor Gonzalez of Victor’s Lavender will make a presentation about propagating and growing lavender from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the farm.
Since 1997, Gonzalez has propagated more than 1 million plants, according to a news release.
He is credited for helping the valley earn its recognition as “America’s Provence.” He is in the process of writing a book about propagating and growing lavender.
A reservation-only afternoon tea will be offered today, Saturday and Sunday.
If there are any seats remaining on the weekend of the event, day-of tickets may be purchased at the gift shop (first come, first served) up to 15 minutes prior to the start of each seating.
The ticket price of $37 includes a full three-tiered menu of sweet and savory traditional tea sandwiches, scones, fruits, and desserts.
There is no additional cost to visit the farm or participate in the festival.
For information, schedules and reservations to the afternoon tea, visit https://washingtonlavenderfestival.wordpress.com.
