KELSEYVILLE—Set back in the hills of Kelseyville, tucked away down a literal Old Dirt Road you can find Rancho Relaxo, a 12-acre farm founded and run by Jason Berger and Diana Ciuca. This Saturday they are hosting an Equinox Festival with music by Lovin’ Dead and Hot Mountain Dips. The doors open at 3 p.m. and there will be over 10 food and merchant vendors, an educational demonstration and plenty of music. This will all take place at the Rancho Relaxo Farm located at 8280 Old Dirt Road in Kelseyville, ticketing information can be found on their social media @RanchoRelaxo (instagram).
The Festival costs $20 dollars, with camping included and encouraged, as owner Jason Berger said he would rather have people stay the night than drive home in the dark. There will be portable restrooms on site with hand washing stations and they ask that you do not bring any glass, pets, and do not have any camp fires.
Berger and Ciuca said that the Farm’s dream is to create an ecocentric space where the community is inspired to educate themselves on regenerative farming techniques and can explore different holistic treatments. At the festival there will be an interactive demonstration of the construction of a Hugel Bed, which involves using native soil, logs, and biomass like leaves and compost to create a more efficient growing environment, and according to Berger is something “anyone can do, even with a small yard space and all the materials can be gathered for no cost.” Berger said he hopes to help others produce their own high quality food at low cost to them.
Currently the farm has about one acre planted with carrots, onions, beans, kale, radish and many others, and will be ready for market late April. They also make herbal remedy products like lip balm and sunscreen and have only just begun to expand. Having grown produce on a small scale for a decade, Berger is ready to plant up to another acre, his goal being “to use 90 percent reclaimed, recycled, or salvaged materials for irrigation, raised garden beds and other infrastructure.” With increased production they will be able to participate in monthly farmers markets, and perhaps begin a subscription service. They hope to host many more events at their farm to spread awareness of a more conscious lifestyle and provide reiki, yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, holistic educational events, and a sweat lodge. Having had success in the past, Berger and Ciuca are extremely grateful for “the support and backing of our neighbors for our farm and our gatherings” and added that they look forward to a bright future for the entire community.
