Attracting bigger crowds every year, Lavender in the Village debuted in 2003, and since then, festival goers have looked forward to picking their own lavender, finding the latest in lavender goods, and learning to cook with it in their food. In 2009, the Lavender in the Village festival takes place July 10th through July 12.
With participants such as Casa Rondena Winery, the Los Ranchos Growers Market, Kelly Jo Designs, and the Los Poblanos Inn, the event brings the best of the village of Los Ranchos to festival goers in one comprehensive weekend.
Lavender in the Village runs for the sixth time this year, 2009. Since its beginnings, this festival has grown to encompass not just growing and harvesting the lavender that grows so well in this rich agricultural valley. It has come to encompass the small village feel of Los Ranchos, which has deep agricultural roots and traditions.
Lavender is a flower that can be successfully grown when choosing the right variety. Since Albuquerque closely resembles a Mediterranean climate, it grows extremely well here. Lavender likes to be high and dry, and Albuquerque can accommodate.
Lavender Festival
The festival involves a good part of the village of Los Ranchos. Go for the lavender U-Pick and get your supply of lavender, find the vendors who have turned the flowers into lavender oil, or make a day of what the festival has to offer, with side visits to places like Casa Rondena Winery and Fourth Street businesses.
Festival Times
Barn Dance Friday, July 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Festival runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, July 11 to Sunday, July 12th
Festival Locations
The festival takes place at three main locations: the Barn Pavilion and Village Green of Los Poblanos Farm (4803 Rio Grande), the Los Ranchos Grower's Market, and at Los Poblanos Fields.
The Grower's Market
The Grower's Market has a free park and ride shuttle service.
Stop by Los Ranchos Growers Market to get fresh raspberries, sunflowers and eggs. But get there early, as seasonal produce sells out fast. Bring your own refrigerated bags so you can pick up that wheel of goat cheese. There are also arts and crafts vendors on hand so you can find that perfect gift. The market also features live music and cooking demonstrations. The nearby firehouse opens its doors for an open house.
The Barn Pavilion and Village Green
The village green bustles with everything that's going on. Bring the kids for the many children's activities. Discover the children's gardening center for a touch of hands on learning, or for a bit of face painting. The Village Green has a round robin of classes that include cooking with lavender as well as practical tips on how it is best grown. There are non-lavender classes as well, in New Mexico wines and how to build fairy houses. The Barn features book events. Live music happens all day both Saturday and Sunday. And then there are the vendors, from Pennysmith's to Tractor Brewing Company to the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. The Village Green has many food vendors as well, so you can't go hungry.
Los Pobalanos Fields
This area has a free Shuttle Bus Stop.
For me, this is the best part of the festival. There is nothing like getting out into fields of lavender to make your day special. The sights, sounds and of course, the smells can transport you to, well, lavender fields. Choose to pick your own with U-Pick, or buy lavender in bundles. At this area you can also purchase fresh, organic produce grown at Los Poblanos Farms. The area is abuzz with music, food, activities for the kids and tours of the historic houses of Los Poblanos Inn, which were designed by world famous architect John Gaw Meem.
Village of Los Ranchos on 4th Street
The businesses of Los Ranchos along Fourth Street celebrate the festival as well. Visit Kelly Jo Designs to see her lavender painted designs. The many antique stores that dot Fourth offer discounts for the festival. And Fourth Street has wonderful restaurants where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner, like the Calico Cafe.
Getting There and Parking
Handicap parking only is available at Los Poblanos Inn. Parking areas have shuttles taking you directly to the festival. Find them at Los Ranchos Elementary School, located at 7609 4th Street (4th and Los Ranchos), and at Taft Middle School, located at 620 Schulte Road. Shuttle buses will take you to any of the festival stops. Take the shuttle bus back to parking from the following locations: at the festival grounds, at the lavender fields at Los Poblanos, at the Growers Market on Rio Grande in Los Ranchos, and at Casa Rondena Winery at 733 Chavez Road. Shuttle stops are well marked and easy to find.
Admission
Adults – $3, Kids under 10 are free, other kids $2.
The admission price includes the activities at all locations, with the exception of the Pet Parade and the Wine and Cheese Run. Admission to the Los Ranchos Growers Market is free.
Festival wrist bands are for sale at the following locations: at any shuttle bus stop, at the festival grounds, at the growers market, at the lavender fields and at Casa Rondena Winery.
Other Nearby Destinations
The Rio Grande Nature Center is within walking distance of Los Pobalanos fields. If you park at the Nature Center (for a $3 fee), you can walk to the festival, walk back, and take in the Nature Center as well. This is a great way to spend time with the kids. To get to the fields, take the shady ditch trail just outside the visitor center.
Or try the winery of Anderson Fields at 4920 Rio Grande. The winery will feature the work of local artists, and is open Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
