Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The 25th annual National Lentil Festival is about to sprout.
The expanded Pullman celebration will take place in one location this year, as Friday night’s downtown events move to Reaney Park where a new, second stage will showcase musicians over both days.
Headliner Casey James tops the list, on a break from opening for Taylor Swift’s “Red” tour.
Downtown events will include the Lentil Breakfast at Cougar Plaza and the Saturday morning parade.
In addition, on Saturday an expanded “Legendary Lentil Cook-Off” contest will feature celebrity judges and cooking demonstrations from professionals. “Ag. Corner,” is another new addition to the festival, a tribute to farmers and agriculturists who produce lentils.
“The great thing is that it’s all right there together in Reaney Park,” said Amberly Boone, National Lentil Festival director.
Friday night’s activities, which formerly featured bands, a beer and wine garden and the signature 350-gallon bowl of lentil chili, have been moved to include more people.
“We really were starting to not have enough room on Friday night, and we wanted the festival to grow,” said Boone. “It’s not a matter that we need people to run into and discover the Festival. People know about it and are seeking it out.”
The new, single location also offers space for twice the vendors.
“It’s gonna be really fun,” said Boone. “It’s gonna be a lot to see.”
On display as well will be much to taste, with 117 entries to face off in the annual lentil recipe cook-off. In a new practice for 2013, the top-five finalists will be on hand to do a full presentation to celebrity judges. The five will come in from Florida, South Carolina, Utah and Oregon while the judges include the Executive Chef of the Coeur d’Alene Casino and a “Top Chef” finalist, among others.
As the judges weigh in, 100 tastes will also be reserved for the public, leading to the people’s choice award.
Before the lentil cook-off on Saturday morning, notable food professionals will give cooking demonstrations, including Derek Sarno, Senior Global Chef for Whole Foods; Nick Pitsilionis, owner of Black Cypress in Pullman, and Robin Leventhal, former “Top Chef” finalist.
The demonstrations are about the festival’s favorite subject.
“Dedicated to all things cooking lentils,” said Boone.
Saturday morning will feature another new event, the “Yoga Rocks Lentil Fest,” a 45-minute yoga class open to all.
At 11 a.m. the showcase parade will start, running on Grand Avenue and Main Street, with Mayor Glenn Johnson announcing the floats and exhibits, including Washington State University fall athletic teams.
At 3:30 p.m. Casey James takes the big stage at Reaney Park.
A 2010 “American Idol” finalist, James will sing from his debut album, “Casey James” which features two Top 40 country hits, “Let’s Not Call It a Night,” and “Crying On A Suitcase.”
Other artists performing at Reaney Park for the festival include, on Friday night, Redwood Son, Jonathan Kingham, Ben Union, Meal Frog and Eclectic Approach. Saturday’s musicians include Matt Brown, Cody Beebe & the Crooks, Perry Acker, Aces Up and Tommy Simmons.
More events on Saturday include the Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church, the Lentil Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m. at Cougar Plaza, a co-ed softball tournament at the city playfields, 3-on-3 basketball at Reaney Park and a “Boards and Blades” skateboard contest, also at Reaney Park.
Ag. Corner will feature the Whitman County Historical Society’s farm tent and the Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club with their vehicles from the parade.
Approximately 25 percent of the lentils grown in the United States come from the Palouse.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)