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community newspaper
Volume 17, Number 33
October 2-8, 2025
Harvesting Hope Sunfire Ranch hosted a fall harvest party on Sept. 20 with a hearty meal prepared by The Farmer and Chef and lively music by Tommy The Animal. This was Wild Mountain Seeds’ first growing season without founder Casey Piscura. A community of friends and supporters made it a success, promising a bountiful future for that keystone local ag hub. Photos by Will Sardinsky
Potato Days unearths support for RFV farmers JAMES STEINDLER & MYKI JONES
The 116th annual Potato Days has arrived with a plethora of community activations in store over the weekend on par with the theme: “The Grate Spudsby” — an homage to the 100th anniversary
of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby.” This year’s Potato Days is particularly special in that it honors the life of a local farmer and friend to many in Carbondale, Casey Piscura. “Just like a century ago, we’re emerging from challenging times with a deeper
appreciation for what really matters: gathering together, celebrating what we’ve built with our own hands and supporting the neighbors who feed us,” described a press release. Not long ago, Carbondale Parks and Rec took over coordinating Potato Days with the help of local nonprofits and other community-based organizations.
This year, one of Piscura’s friends, Kat Hardy, took the helm as event coordinator and Kade Gianinetti continues in his ancestors’ footsteps as the duo breathes new life into the age-old tradition. Hardy, who also heads up Dandelion Day, loves to throw a seasonal party and finds meaning in gathering. She recalled continued on page 5