The first annual Olalla Lavender Festival arrives next month, drawing on an existing agricultural resource of rural South Kitsap and inspired by a local resident’s French roots.
Olalla resident Huguette Marsicano, who was born and raised in Provence, France, collaborated with an Ollala business owner to find different ways to engage the community and local economy over the summer. They landed on the idea of hosting a lavender festival the weekend of July 20 and 21, a rather organic choice due the abundance of lavender -- there's at least three farms in the South Kitsap and Gig Harbor area alone. Marsicano quickly began putting the idea into motion as the project manager, and her years of expertise in event planning kicked in.
Prior to moving to Olalla, Marsicano owned an event planning business from 2012 to 2016 called Ladies & the City, based in Monaco. That's where Marsicano led a remembrance event for the Prince of Monaco’s mother -- "Grace, a Symbol of Change" -- which drew hundreds from around the world to celebrated Grace Kelly’s life with an auction, fashion show, musical performance, film festival and more.
Life in the south of France, particularly in Provence, has lavender embedded into the core of its culture. It’s versatility and many uses makes it a daily staple for her, Marsicano explained.
“It’s a beautiful plant; it’s very complex. You can use it in cooking, medicine, to decorate,” Marsicano said.
The plant's diversity will be demonstrated during the Olalla Lavender Festival with various workshops, including visits to farms like Crescent Valley Lavender Farm and Lisa's Lavender Farm. Attendees will be able to learn how to distill lavender oil, bake with lavender or decorate with the purple flower. The festival itself is free but workshops will cost extra and require pre-registration, and registration for free tickets is encouraged at the event's website.
A full list of vendors can be found on the website, but the majority of vendor booths can be found in between the Olalla Winery and Vineyard and the Olalla Community Club. Participating local businesses will host live music and some workshops.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to come and discover Olalla,” Marsicano said.
More information and pre-registration can be found at www.olalla-lavender-festival.com.
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