at the Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center 4920 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107
The Largest Lavender Festival in the Southwest
Enjoy the culinary, soothing, aromatic, and aesthetic gifts of the lavender plant and discover why local sustainable agriculture is our bridge between nature and community.
A Blooming Celebration of Local Agriculture
Lavender in The Village is an iconic event that has been delighting New Mexicans for 30 years. Discover the magic of sustainable cultivation, culinary innovation, and artistic inspiration coming together for a renowned annual festival. With over 11,000 attendees in 2023, Lavender in The Village has gained national recognition for preserving culture, promoting agri-tourism, and fostering community.
Celebrate the connection between nature and community with Lavender In The Village every July in The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. You’ll enjoy a variety of engaging activities:
Browse booths filled with arts, crafts, lavender products.
Join open-air yoga classes led by top instructors.
Listen to the freshest (and most fragrant) local musical acts .
Learn about cooking, healing with lavender, and sustainable agriculture through exhibits, seminars, and workshops.
Indulge in New Mexico’s finest beer, wine, spirits, and local culinary treats.
The Festival aligns with the values and purpose of the non-profit Rio Grande Community Farm so well, it was a natural evolution for the Community Farm to take over production of the event beginning in 2023.The entire organization is thrilled for the opportunity to provide leadership for this remarkable festival.
Lavender in the Village Festival was launched in 1994, by Penny Rembe of Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. After years of hosting the event at the Organic Farm, the event changed hands and is now owned by Lavender in the Village Association (LITVA), a 501c(3) non-profit organization for the purpose of raising money to help fund local agricultural and educational programs.
The mission of the Lavender in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, is to preserve and enhance Los Ranchos public open space, stimulate an interest in sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on educating the public, including such matters as historic agriculture, lavender and its uses, and fostering community spirit.
“The land belongs to the future.” ~ Willa Cather.
Festival revenue generated by ticket purchases, donations, sponsorships, and vendor fees goes a long way to help support valuable, local programming.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Rio Grande Community Farm
This land-based 501(c)3 organization has begun producing Lavender in the Village Festival through an agreement with LITVA. In alignment with LITVA’s mission, the purpose of Rio Grande Community Farm is to provide diverse and underserved communities with equitable access to urban farmland and education in sustainable agriculture – prioritizing food justice, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Rio Grande Community Farm shares revenues as a part of their agreement, helping to fund their operations and programs.
Other 2023 LITVA Grant Recipients:
– Albuquerque Sign Language Academy, for their Project – Edible Trails at the Larry P Abraham Agri-Nature Center in Los Ranchos.
– Alvarado Elementary, for maintenance and expansion of the school garden.
– Ashokra Farms, for local MicroFarm operations.
– Bernalillo Community Museum, to develop community gardens at the museum.
– El Camino Real Academy, for their Garden and Grounds program.
– Lutheran Family Services, Rocky Mountains, for their Tres Hermanas Farm program.
– Mandy’s Farm, for farm infrastructure supporting their AgriAbility program.
– Meals on Wheels, for the purchase of local agricultural products.
– Celestial Mountain Farm, for local MicroFarm operations.
– Organic Planet Farms, for local MicroFarm operations and community education.
– SAOL Agriculture Solutions, for the FarmBot pilot project.
– Siembras y Cosechas Family Farm, for local micro farm operations.
– SOL Forest School, to develop a Forest School program for Alameda Elementary preschoolers.
– Space Dog Farms, for local MicroFarm operations.
– Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District, for the creation of lavender demonstration gardens.
The Lavender in the Village Board congratulates all of our grant recipients and look forward to working with them to spread awareness and education on the importance of sustainable farming, taking care of our environment, and creating a foundation for the next generation to be environmentally conscious. We are grateful to the Village of Los Ranchos, to our generous sponsors, and to the greater Albuquerque community for their continued support for our mission.
~ Lisa McKinney, Vice-Chair
Meet the 2024 Lavender in the Village Nonprofit
Board of Directors:
Standing (l-r): Lisa McKinney, Nan Nash,
Alison O’Leary, Matt Kuchar
Seated (l-r): David Hudson, Katie Snapp
Not Pictured: Kay Schollenbarger
Board Officers:
Katie Snapp, Chair
Lisa McKinney, Vice-Chair
Nan Nash, Secretary
Alison O’Leary, Treasurer
Matt Kuchar, Vendor Liaison