Photos by Steve Gerecke, Ottawa Velo Vogue and Jean Lapointe.
After three years of celebrating local food and farms in secret locations, Harvest Noir – Ottawa’s homegrown version of the Dîner en Blanc – still has a few surprises. Importantly for an outdoor event that hasn’t always been lucky in the weather department, it also booked a rain date. Over a hot bowl of soup and a beer, I got the lowdown on what to expect from Harvest Noir 2014 from its co-founder, Greg Searle.
Harvest Noir is a self-described stealth sustainability party. “At its core”, says Searle, “the event reinvents Thanksgiving. It’s a celebration of local food.” Similar to pop-up picnics in other cities around the world, folks are invited to bring food, place settings, crystal/wine glasses, candles, and anything else needed to make the table as elegant and comfortable as possible – all this, coordinated by a chef de table. Non-alcoholic beverages can be brought but alcohol is sold on site.
Harvest Noir promotes sustainability in other ways, such as by encouraging people to cycle to the event. “We have a cycle mob where 100 cyclists show up and try to make cycling fashionable and fun.” Proceeds from Harvest Noir go towards helping BioRegional North America carry on its mission to create sustainable neighbourhoods. BioRegional is helping local developer Windmill create the first One Planet Community – a international program to recognize communities with a proven commitment to sustainable development – in Canada. The project is happening on the former Domtar lands, including Chaudière and Albert Islands, that were the scene for this year’s Harvest Noir annual fashion flashmob pictured in this post.
Every year, an indoor dance party follows the outdoor picnic. When people go indoors, the Stan Clark Orchestra will do swing and rag time. There will also be a DJ that will be playing Top 40 in another room. The two options are to cater to the different crowds that partake in the event. “The first year we did Harvest Noir, I had booked this great house DJ duo. But people weren’t really in the mood for house so it was kind of a bust. With a couple of different dance floors, we’re hoping there will be something for everyone.”
What’s different this year, I ask Searle? “Well, first of all we have a rain date! It’s obviously something hard to organize when you have multiple venues and bands playing.” But after getting dinged a few times with rain in years past, Searle thought it was worth the extra hassle. If it rains Saturday September 27, the rain date is Sunday September 28. They are also expanding the musical side of things. “This year’s there a much more avant-garde, funky lineup.” Local singer songwriter Evan van Roon, Ottawa’s The Visit and Montreal’s Esmerine will perform throughout the picnic.
Harvest Noir is giving away a number of prizes for its most innovative and creative guests. In years past contestants for the Best Decorated Table prize have gone to great lengths, using mannequins, bicycles and tall candelabras. There is also a prize for largest tables and several prizes doled out at the Harvest Noir Fashion Show, including Most Creative Outfit, Most Innovative Headpiece, and Best Overall Costume.
Ticket giveaway!
Post your most creative reason as to why you want to go to Harvest Noir or the after-party in our comment section, Twitter or Facebook page tagging #harvestnoir. We will pick the 3 winners that will each receive a pair of tickets.
UPDATE: This contest closes Friday, September 19th, at 11:59pm.
There are still some volunteer opportunities – Greg and the other organizers are looking for ushers, security people, people to do door stamping, and a few social media volunteers. So if you’re interested, get in touch with Greg at harvestnoir@gmail.com. Most of the volunteering is at the picnic and you can go to the dance party after.
Tickets for Harvest Noir are available at harvestnoir.com/tickets.
.gif)
