To the editor:

The historic Greenbank Farm has successfully hosted it’s 19th annual Loganberry Festival. The Greenbank Farm Management Group, the staff of the Greenbank Farm and the tenants here at the farm wish to thank all those who attended for making this year’s festival such a success.

Forty some vendors of art, crafts, food and services presented their wares, while over 20 wine makers and two brewers poured samples to thirsty customers. Jim Freeman and Dave Malony saw to it that the entertainers delighted us with two days of music and plays. Folks took rides on the hay wagon, sat and watched the kids play in the bouncy house or on the swings, ate ice cream or other tasty treats — or just sat and watched the crowd go by.

By all accounts, this year had record festival attendance as well as some of the best weather we have enjoyed for years. By the known number of drivers who paid the parking donation, plus the number of cars parked along the road and the volunteers, staff and vendors, we estimate well over 5,000 people were here over that weekend.

The income derived from the parking will allow the farm to do some much-needed and deferred projects that we would not otherwise have the funding to complete. This was a way for those who use the facilities to have a direct impact on the costs of upkeep.

The farm wishes to thank the sponsors, Whidbey Island Bank, Whidbey Telecom, Porter-Whidbey Insurance, Gemkow Construction and China City for their financial support, and Whidbey Evangelical Church for overseeing the children’s area.

More than 50 volunteers kept the show going, and without their support the show would not go on. Special thanks go out to the folks who came down from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island both days, and to Steve and Jennifer Cox, Lyn Gaustad and Judy Moore, who have provided outstanding volunteerism for the farm. Without help we could not do the festival, and so are extremely grateful for them all.

Art Herrera

Event Coordinator

Virginia Bloom

Farm Director