The 2004 Lavender Festival celebration at Angel Farm from July 16-18th was greatly enhanced by the smiling crew of Sequim Soroptimists in their “Flower Power” tee shirts who welcomed thousands of automobile visitors to the farm and smoothly directed them to the parking area.

The Sequim lavender industry took root in 1995 when a group of local farmers, gardeners, and community visionaries formed a committee to create a Sequim identity for revising our sagging local economy, bringing tourist dollars t our area, and preserving our vanishing farmland. Lavender was selected as our signature crop for its long lasting beauty, versatility, and suitability to our sunny, dry microclimate in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

With more than 40 lavender farms now in the Sequim Dungeness valley, the Sequim Lavender Festival celebrated its 8th year in 2004, drawing more than 30,000 visitors to our lovely area. Each year the area lavender farms open their farms and share “the lavender experience” and information with their many enthusiastic visitors.

As one of the eight farms on tour during the annual, very popular, three day Lavender Festival, Angel Farm utilizes a legion of volunteers to help us run a smooth, inviting, friendly, entertaining and educational event for our visitors. Having infringed on the good nature of family and friends for the past couple of festivals, I approached my sister Soroptimists to see if they might like to take on this huge greeting/traffic control/parking job as a fundraising opportunity in trade for volunteer hours here on Angel Farm. Thank goodness, they enthusiastically accepted!

Sixty hours were volunteered by fifteen SI Sequim Soroptimists, which resulted in a $500 donation by Angel Farm in the form of cash and lavender products to SI Sequim. The lavender products are sold by the club at district and regional meetings as an additional Soroptimist fundraiser.

During the three day event, I heard many compliments from visitors from all over the country about the warm greetings and relaxed, smooth flowing entry they enjoyed in entering our farm – thanks to my sister Soroptimists. One of the appeals of our vintage Angel Farm is women farmers working together, and nothing pleased me more than being able to promote another strong female partnership with Soroptimists as part of our festival venue. Women Helping Women at its best!

Looking forward to working together again at the 2005 Lavender Festival! Please note July 15-17th on your calendars now.

Many thanks,
Cathy Angel
SI Sequim Member & Lavender Farmer