The Gravensteins are coming!Many of you may have noticed the Gravenstein banners facing northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 116. Pam Carpenter of Plan A Design created these wonderful proclamations as part of a joint project between Cittaslow Sebastopol and Slow Food Russian River. The two organizations received a grant to raise awareness about the Gravenstein apple and support local apple farmers. It's been a community effort. Thanks, for instance, are also due to PG&E, the City of Sebastopol and Marcus Fires of the Odd Fellows' Building who all participated in the logistics of hanging these 30' wonders.
Other Gravenstein projects this summer include:
With the collaborative grant, Cittaslow Sebastopol and Slow Food Russian River are excited to have the opportunity to work with other like-minded organizations, such as Farm Trails, to support the local economy while promoting biodiversity.
- Development of school curriculum to teach elementary students about our apple heritage.
- Expansion of the Apple Box Project so customers at local merchants, and visitors arriving at the airport or staying at local hotels get a chance to develop a taste for our delicious apple mascot.
- A social media campaign sending out weekly apple recipes: Apple Chutney… Apple Cole Slaw…Chicken Apple Salad…Apple Lime Gingersnap Pie…Yumm! LIKE us on Facebook to get your weekly apple fix.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the Gravenstein Apple Fair (August 10-11). Come by our booth and get a snail tattoo!
AND.....
Cittaslow Sebasotpol recently received funding from the City to further its promotion of the 6 "Slow City" priorities:
1. Support locally made products and agricultureKeep your eyes peeled for more Cittaslow snails popping up around town as we continue our efforts to keep Sebastopol green, local, friendly and artistic.
2. Celebrate our culture and history
3. Share the joys of our community with visitors and amongst ourselves
4. Integrate technologies for improved well being
5. Promote the health of our environment
6. Develop community-friendly infrastructure