What’s cold, sweet and light, yet a bit nutty, too? A garlic milkshake, of course, and area residents will have an opportunity to taste the odd-sounding concoction at the first-ever Herb and Garlic Festival, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the historic Boal Mansion in Boalsburg.
“It’s not what you expect,” said Bob Cameron, museum director at the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum. “You have a nice mix of the coldness of the milk and the warmth that comes with garlic. It’s really quite good, although it doesn’t sound like it would be.”
But garlic milkshakes aren’t the only feature at the event. Cameron said there would be several vendors and seminars throughout the day to celebrate what many feel is the end of the gardening season.
“But, to be honest, this time of the year is really a start for next year,” said Cameron. “Sure, most of the harvesting has been done; however, many people like to get an early start with their perennials for next year.”
Fox Hill Gardens will be present, selling perennials, shrubs and trees.
Cameron said several seminars have been scheduled throughout the day, including:
■ Stinking Rose — A specialty vendor that will display and discuss the many types and flavors of garlic that are available.
■ Bill Russell — Russell will sign copies of his “Pennsylvania Guide to Mushroom” book, as well as offer a talk on seeking out and collecting the wild mushrooms of the state.
■ Penn State Plant Science — Faculty members of the Plant Science Department at Penn State University will be on hand for seminars dealing with combining edibles into flower arrangements and how to prep a summer garden for the fall and winter.
■ Sue Morris — A vendor who produces healing salves with natural herbs will talk about how people can grow their own medicine.
■ Bob Cameron — The museum director will take visitors on a tour of 48-acre gardens that surround the mansions via the new 2.5 miles of nature trails.
An event has also been scheduled for kids. Beginning at noon, already-registered children will bring their teddy bears, along with a blanket and their families, to be served a formal, British-style tea party on the lawn. Cost is $10 per child and registration must be made at (814) 876-0129 prior to the event.
According to Cameron, the initiative is a fundraiser designed to help raise money to continue the process of creating a large, public garden on the site. However, he said it’s not all about the money.
“This is a great time of year to be in the gardens,” he said. “We want to promote gardening and healthy living and just getting back out into the great outdoors.”
There is no cost to attend the event and parking is free.
IF YOU GO
What: Herb and Garlic Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27
Where: Historic Boal Mansion, Boalsburg
Admission: Free
