16TH ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE SUCCESSFULLY KICKS OFF SPRING

Well, the Spring Conference was a terrific success, thanks to the hard work of over 100 volunteers, a dedicated staff and board, and the generosity and knowledge of over 80 wonderful speakers. Throughout the weekend, nearly 1300 people came out to Blue Ridge Community College to take classes, browse exhibits, swap seeds, and connect with friends, both old and new. The energy that buzzes at the event each spring is always refreshing, and always surprising, no matter how many years we come together. It was a delight for me to take tickets at lunch and ask people about their day, or to hear the conversations between friends in the exhibitor hall about the new things that they learned. One woman, a volunteer, told me that she marks the beginning of her spring and growing season by the Organic Growers School Conference, and I think how appropriate it was that the event occurred exactly after the equinox. I think my favorite quote of the weekend came from a woman whom our board president found standing bewildered at the edge of the parking lot, trying to plan her day. When he inquired about her state, she said "Its just like there is this wonderful buffet laid out in front of me, and now I have to choose." 

So, as I come out of my conference stupor, I revel in the spirit of this great community event. I hope that the smiles and sharing and overabundant information and insight was a good to ya'll as it was to me.  Thanks to everyone who came out, had fun, learned and shared, and made the 16th annual event a huge success.

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