A revolution is happening in Lakewood
And its season is about to come to an end

Every Wednesday, from spring to fall, the front of the Lakewood Public Library is transformed into a celebration of local food, local people and local art. The Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community doesn't just pass out community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares of vegetables during LEAF night, they downright throw a party complete with live music and a selection of eco-conscious vendors. This party gets even bigger on Wed 10/14 as LEAF wraps up their season with their 3rd Annual Harvest Festival.

LEAF night is when CSA shareholders pick up their shares of locally-grown vegetables delivered straight from City Fresh or a nearby farm, like Covered Bridge Gardens in Jefferson or the certified organic Geauga Family Farms in Geauga County. All food was grown within 75 miles of the city and picked within 24 hours of delivery. Forget preservatives and cross-country treks from farm to grocer--these foods are totally fresh and offer a true taste of Ohio agriculture.

Sounds good, right? But what happens in the winter when the ground freezes over and that seemingly endless supply of zucchinis and beets you carted home in the summer is but a dream? Even though LEAF doesn't run through the winter, you can get your local food fix by purchasing holiday shares. Two holiday shares will be offered--one on Thu 11/19 and the other on Thu 12/17. (Keep in mind you must pay for the November share no later than Thu 10/15 and by Thu 11/19 for the December share.) Unlike with the regular LEAF season, these shares only come in one size--a full share--and cost $24 (or $12 if you qualify for a low-income discount). Pick-up locations will be at Urban Community School and Trinity Commons. Expect to receive the best array of fall and winter veggies--pie pumpkins, apples, onions, squash, potatoes and more.

Yeah, the end of the CSA season can be depressing but don't leave on a sour note. Celebrate the end of the regular LEAF season by baking a pie for the pie bake-off or bringing the kids to romp around at the aforementioned Harvest Festival. This last LEAF night of the season will spill out into the (closed off) street with live music and multiple vendors. Get ready to party with all your friends and celebrate all the good, eco-friendly food you enjoyed throughout the summer.

If you'd like to join the LEAF local food revolution, you can register to volunteer on their website or sign up for a full-share or half-share of produce beginning in spring 2010. Each share of food is purchased from a local farmer and you pre-pay one week in advance to reserve your share. LEAF also offers community garden plots and bulk buying in the summer.

Cool Cleveland events editor Sarah Valek graduated from Ithaca College with a double-major in arts and writing. After graduation, she came back to her beloved city and served as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She currently spends her days chasing after her toddler-age son, drinking soy lattes and digging up the coolest events around town.