Harvest Moon Newsletter

Fall 2024 Update

Things slow down at the Harvest Moon Learning Centre after a busy summer and then the craziness that is the Harvest Moon Festival (click here to re-live it via the livestream). We make space for the Clearwater & District Nursery School, clean out the garden and greenhouse, rest and recharge, and then get to planning our winter activities.

Through the fall we hosted University of Manitoba graduate students in the Design Studio of Liane Veness and Clearwater resident Rhonda utilized our facility for her birthday bash and the Louise Recreation District is once again running Yoga with Carissa on Saturdays.

We’re excited about the development of the Clearwater Valley Trails cross-country ski / snowshoe / hiking trails, and we want to be sure you know about upcoming events like our Fibre Arts Retreat in Clearwater in January, and the second year of our Agrarian After Dark event and the Harvest Moon AGM in Winnipeg in early February. We’ve also got a link at the bottom of this newsletter where you can order your loved ones some Harvest Moon merch, like the sweet vests you may have seen at the Festival!

Clearwater Valley Trails

We’re putting the final touches on our membership with the Cross-Country Ski Association of Manitoba (CCSAM) and then you’ll officially be able to join the Clearwater Valley Trails to ski, hike, or snowshoe all over the valley.

Robert has been out grooming the trails already, and he’s constantly updating the map on Trailforks. We hope to give regular grooming updates through our social media, as well, once things are in full swing.

Harvest Moon Fibre Arts Retreat

Our Fibre Arts Retreat has been growing over the last few years and planning has begun for 2025's event.

Come join us in Clearwater on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26 to be inspired, learn new skills, and meet new friends.

Last year’s event included yoga, a crochet/knitting circle, a needle felting workshop, a clothing swap, and more. Organizers are working on this year’s activities and more info will be coming soon.

If you’re interested, email info@harvestmoonsociety.org.

Agrarian After Dark

Harvest Moon Society, Young Agrarians, Fireweed Food Co-op, and The Dogs Run Farm have put together an evening to build connections between rural producers and urban consumers in the local food and fiber community. Featuring presentations by active producers and members of the ecological agricultural community, and allowing for conversation and connection in a fun, informal setting including food and refreshments.

Last year’s event at The Park Theatre was quite successful and we’re looking to take it up a notch at the West End Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 1. Ducks Unlimited Grazing Club Coordinator and Regenerative Consultant for Understanding Ag Michael Thiele has been tabbed as MC for the evening and five of the six presenters have been confirmed:

• Christel Lanthier - Ferme Fiola Farm

• Amy Nikkel - Adagio Acres

• Troy Stozek - Fresh Roots Farm

• Alex Boersch - Mill Creek Organics

• Melissa Atkinson - Poplar View Stock Farm and Research and Extension Specialist with Manitoba Beef Producers.

• Marilyn Firth and Bruce Berry - Almost Urban Vegetables

Doors will open at 6pm and we’ll have local food available (included in ticket price) and we can mix and mingle before farmer presentations begin at 7pm. We’ll have a Q&A session after the presentations and then we can socialize and connect to close out the evening.

• Everyone is welcome and sponsor tickets are on sale now.

• Farmer Supporter - $100 - two tickets and promotion of your farm logo at the event

• Gold Supporter - $50 - 1 ticket and a $25 donation receipt from Harvest Moon Society

• Silver Support - $25 - 1 ticket and you help support the event

General Admission tickets ($15) coming soon.

Harvest Moon Society Annual General Meeting

The day after the Agrarian After Dark event, we’ll be holding our Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg. Sunday, February 2 at 11am in the 2nd level multipurpose space at 185 Smith St. We also hope to have a streaming option available.

If you’re interested in attending, either in-person or virtually, please email dustin@harvestmoonsocity.org to register.

There will be opportunities to join the Board of Directors, as well. There will be two spots available, if anyone is interested. Expressions of interest or inquiries can be sent to info@harvestmoonsociety. org.

HMS Merchandise Available Year-Round

Did you miss out on merch at the festival? Or maybe you saw staff and longtime Mooners walking around in their awesome vests? We’ve partnered with Xi Promotions in Crystal City to run a year-round webstore. Hats, tshirts, stickers … be sure to check it out!