The East Austin Garden Fair was held Saturday, April 18. A rite of spring for Master Gardeners, the EAGF has blossomed into such a popular event that we had to turn away organizations that wanted to have a booth. The intent for the fair, to introduce children to gardening through hands on activities and to provide information about gardening and related subjects to adults, has been upheld through 12 years now.
Some behind the scenes activities were tweaked this year. Some, to make setting up and breaking down easier, and some because Jenive and I were winging it! This was our first year co-chairing the fair on our own, but thanks to the spectacular helpfulness of the volunteers, we were able to “get ‘er done.”
One highlight of the fair is watching the exhibitors engage with the visitors, both adults and children. Another highlight is that I get to visit the booths and learn things. I shouldn’t be surprised by how much the Master Gardeners know, but every year I’m amazed at their expert knowledge in specialized subjects — too many to list here.
The very best thing is seeing how the Master Gardeners work together to make it happen. Those who have participated for years just do their thing. A special thank you goes to JaNet Barkley-Booher for leading the children’s activities. Working many hours, all of the volunteers went about the business of making it all run smoothly.
The very, very best thing is getting to visit with fellow Master Gardeners. The fair is a time to make new friends and see old friends. It’s a time to get to know the interns, and for them to get to know us and see how we work.
Jenive and I thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm. Much credit goes to Daphne, too, for spending so much time guiding us through the process of putting on an event this big. Be sure and respond to her request for comments. We’ll start working on next year’s East Austin Garden Fair soon. Hope to see you there!
— Cindy Haynie and Jenive Isaacs