Harvest Festival heats up

If it weren't for the golden leaves, hay bales and all the bright orange pumpkins, guests of Molly Daniels' Harvest Festival might have thought it was early spring.

The Farm to Table Farmers Market Harvest Festival took place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lake Tye Park in Monroe. Daniels reported a few sprinkles of rain early on, after which the sky turned blue and temperatures hovered in the 60s. The event featured face-painting, live music by Monroe country music singer Dakota Neuman, a pumpkin patch, hay jump and a selection of bustling vendors.

Hot food was available from Big Dog's Hot Dog Joint, Papa's Wood Fired Pizza, Atsuki's Food Truck and the Express Mexican Grill.-á

"It was an amazing turnout and awesome day,GÇ¥ Daniels said. "We love and appreciate the support from the community so much and we can't wait until next season.GÇ¥

Numerous Monroe-based entrepreneurs participated at the festival, including Spoonful of Sweets owner and chef Tania Consolini, Heavenly Soap owner Patti Gibbons, Country Comfort Quilts owner Michele Armstrong, Sweet Luck Farm owners Jason and Elise Luck and Sweet Treats Candle Co. owner Andrew Fegler.

Fegler's entrepreneurship began with his cupcake business, Andrew's Bake Sale, which he started when he was a sophomore at Monroe High School. Fegler plans to eventually attend pastry school in Paris; he started his business to gain tuition money.

Now a senior, Fegler has transitioned into candle making, specializing in scented candles inspired by different foods. His mission is the same; he still has his sights set on Paris, and he's currently taking courses at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology in addition to his classes at the high school. His candles come in numerous dessert-themed fragrances, including chocolate fudge, red velvet, cr+¿me br++l+¬e and pink sugar.-á -á

Consolini displayed a delectable selection of Halloween-themed sugar cookies, tart-sized apple pies and custom baked cookies in flavors like buttery toffee, birthday cake and snickerdoodle. Consolini, a certified pastry chef, cake designer and confection artist, became well-known for her jam-filled scones during Daniels' summer farmers market series.

Sweet Luck Farm featured dazzling bouquets of fresh cut dahlias in an assortment of shapes and colors. The Luck's are self-professed "flower farmers,GÇ¥ specializing in all types of flowers, including dahlias, gladiolus, iris, zinnias and geraniums.

The YMCA sponsored a craft table, giving kids the chance to create art, while the Sno-Isle Libraries system invited guests to discover their local library. Other vendors included Just Like Grandma's Caramel Corn, TJ & CJ's Honeyhuggers, Tualco Valley Produce, Simply too Shabby, Cremazen Coffee Roasting Company and Aura Bakery & Coffee Bar.

For more information on the Farm to Table Farmers Market and to stay informed about future farmers market events, visit www.facebook.com/farmtotablemonroe.

"Molly has accomplished a level of participation from this community that many others have called impossible,GÇ¥ said Monroe Planning Commissioner Bridgette Tuttle. "I'm so impressed by her commitment and vision. What a gift she has been to Monroe residents and businesses this year.GÇ¥

Daniels' next event, the Handmade Holiday Bazaar, takes place in November. The three-day shopping extravaganza will open 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, with a VIP shopping experience available for a $20 entry fee. The bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28-29,-á at 114 N. Lewist St., in downtown Monroe. Entry is free.

For more information on the event, visit www.facebook.com/events/707128189432129/ and www.facebook.com/events/532902816863381/.-á

-á -á