Gardening Guru Mike McGrath To Speak at Organic Planet Festival

Aug 14, 2009
NEWS: For Immediate Release
Contact: Patty Clary or Vanessa Vasquez, 707-445-5l00

EUREKA, CA – Acclaimed author and radio host Mike McGrath will spread the message of healthy gardening on Sunday, August 30 at Halvorsen Park, when he gives the keynote address at the fifth annual Organic Planet Festival on the Eureka waterfront, sponsored by Californians for Alternatives to Toxics (CATs).

McGrath, former editor of Organic Gardening Magazine and host of the nationally syndicated radio show "You Bet Your Garden," also is an award-winning flower grower and aims to balance his inspirational advocacy of organic gardening with wit and wisdom.

His appearance at California's only celebration of non-toxic living is a centerpiece at the all-day festival. Also sharing the main stage is America's bluegrass icon the Del McCoury Band and international reggae star Tanya Stephens.

McGrath's talk will come amid a day of useful gardening workshops that focus on the festival theme of transforming everyday practices from harmful to healthful.

Speakers include Gisele Schoniger of the firm Kellogg's Garden Products, who will discuss how to build up beneficial organisms in the soil; Eddie Tanner, author of "The Humboldt Kitchen Gardener," who will demonstrate how to prepare new beds; and Rita Jacinto of Willow Creek's Flying Blue Dog Farm and Nursery, who will explain ways to grow and use herbs and medicinals.

Home gardening isn't the only fun to be had at the Organic Planet Festival. Be sure to enjoy the many events of the day featuring:

* the World's Largest Organic Salad from Eureka Natural Foods,
* dozens of exhibitors displaying healthy and natural products,
* the Wildberries Marketplace Kids Village and Petting Zoo,
* an eco-groovy fashion show,
* the North Coast Co-op's $1000 grocery grand prize,
* a food drive that gives donors an original poster,
* organic food and beverages, door prizes and much more.

To encourage less energy consumption and more environmental awareness, CATs will provide a shuttle bus from Arcata to the Eureka festival site from noon until 2 pm with later return for just $2 roundtrip and a Greenwheels bike parking area that's monitored all day.

The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and costs $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased at the Eureka or Arcata Coops, the Works in Eureka or Arcata and Wild Horse Records in Garberville.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.organicplanetfestival.org or call the CATs office at 707-445-5100.