The eighth annual National Heirloom Expo takes place September 11, 12 and 13, 2018, at the Sonoma County Event Center, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, California.

This is a big deal, Road Trips Gardeners. More than 100 national and internationally-acclaimed speakers will hold forth in three halls that are themed this year: The Garden Hall, The Pure Food Pavilion, and The Farmers Forum.

All sorts of demonstrations are planned. Some examples: Seed carver Sergey Jivetin will do detailed engravings on different types of plant seeds. The Navajo Reservation Women will create clothing and accessories as they demonstrate the age-old techniques of spinning and weaving. Jon Parr uses his Aquaponics display to demonstrate his hands-on approach to practical application of sustainable permaculture and aquaponic food production.

Exhibitors will run the gamut from backyard gardeners to seasoned organic commercial growers, as well as forgotten craftsmen, not-for-profit organizations, and leaders in the Green Tech industry. There’ll be heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squashes, garlic, tree-fruits and more -— all clearly identified and labeled. Last year there were more than 350 vendors, each showcasing products pertaining to natural food, gardening, sustainability, and “green living”.

Last year’s centerpiece was a 21-foot-tall pyramid of squash of all shapes, sizes and hues (part of it is pictured above, left). A reprise is planned for the 2018 show.

There will be a kids area each of the three days of the expo, with fun and games, educational activities, contests, and competitions.

Fairgrounds gates are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A one-day ticket is $15, or purchase a $30 three-day pass at the gate. Those 17 and younger are free.

Insider tip: look for the watermelon tasting.

The fourth annual Dahlia Show takes place at the Fairgrounds on the same dates. Rules follow those of the Pacific Southwest Dahlia Conference and the American Dahlia Society.

(Photo courtesy of National Heirloom Expo)