WESTMINSTER WEST — The first Westminster West Festival of Squashes, a fundraiser for the Westminster West Public Library, held Oct 16 in Westminster West village, was a great success.
Festival-goers enjoyed a wide range of dishes at the squash café. The squash identification treasure hunt introduced children and adults to the diversity of squash that can be grown in our region, and children also got to exercise their creativity in designing intriguing squash sculptures. Neil Taylor provided festival-goers and organizers with much needed chair massages.
Longtime Westminster farmer Howard Prussack presented a slide show detailing his experience growing squash over 39 years to an appreciative audience, and fielded many questions about timing of planting and harvesting and management of pests and disease. Thai chef Aew Ladd demonstrated her delicious steamed custard-filled winter squash which was enjoyed by all, and author Crescent Dragonwagon wrapped up the event with equally delicious squash poetry.
This event could not have happened without the generosity of many many individuals who cannot all be mentioned here. We are most grateful for your help! We particularly want to thank all of the creative cooks in our community who donated food; Susan Talbot, who co-managed the café; the vendors who added their wares to our festivities; Peter Stamm, who prepared specialty coffees, and the following local farms who donated ingredients: Harlow Farm, Allen Brothers, Holton Farm, Green Mountain Orchards, Walker Farm, High Meadows Farm, Old Athens Farm, and Livewater Farm.
We celebrate your hard work and thank you for recognizing with your support the essential role the library plays in the culture of our community.