The Heron

Green Heron Growers

The real star of “NIGHT LIGHTS at the Heron” is the land, known to many as “The Heron.”

To many of us who flock to The Heron, the 200-acre property is almost sacred ground. Each year, over 6,000 people converge on the property to participate in what could be one of the best  music festivals around – The Great Blue Heron Music Festival. For over 20 years,  bands such as Donna the Buffalo, Rusted Root and dozens others have graced the stage at the three-day music festival. The

festival is more than just performances, there’s wonderful vendors, music workshops, swimming, teen and kids activities and much more. You should certainly check this festival out – the 21st edition of the festival will be back in 2012 – visit www.greatblueheron.com

The Heron is more than just a festival site. Over the last couple of years, owners Julie and Steve Rockcastle have created Green Heron Growers – a certified organic farm. Portions of the land are used to grow shittake mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, as well as pasture poultry and grass-fed beef. To check out their wonderful and informative site, visit www.greenherongrowers.com

Steve and Julie Rockcastle

As if the festival, the organic farm, and NIGHT LIGHTS is not enough, The Heron is the sight of a few cool events, including the amazing three-day spiritual renewal workshops call the Great Rhythm Revival, check their site out at www.greatrhythmrevival.com/ The Heron also hosts a few weddings each year and farm to table dinners. It’s a happening lil’ place out in the Southern Tier countryside.

Great Blue Heron Music Festival - Photo by Lori Savaree