The third annual Colorado Lavender Festival takes place July 12 through 14, 2013, in Palisade, Colorado (map).

Hosted by the Lavender Association of Western Colorado, the event will include self-guided and guided lavender field tours plus a lavender distillation.

On July 11, there’s an all-day guided motorcoach tour starting in Palisade that includes visits to lavender fields, learning about the latest lavender research, shopping for lavender-related treats and a chance to pick a fresh lavender bundle. In the afternoon, it’s off to Paonia to enjoy a lavender inspired picnic lunch along the Gunnison river and see a lavender distillation. The tour finishes with a wine and food reception featuring lavender.

The next day, a festival in Palisade Memorial Park will feature workshops, seminars and question-and-answer sessions on topics ranging from starting a lavender farm to lavender growing tips, history, uses and cooking. An expert from Colorado State University Extension will present lavender research project highlights and a lecture on local growing information.

Attendees can take part in a hands-on demonstration in lavender aromatherapy, essential oil usage and crafts. The event also will include live entertainment, music, food and retail vendors offering lavender-inspired merchandise.

On the third day, self-guided tours of lavendar fields are possible (pick up a map at Saturday’s festival).

The climate in on Colorado’s Western Slope provides optimal growing conditions for lavender, according to Susan Metzger with the Lavender Association of Western Colorado. Two types of lavender – English lavender and French lavender – grow particularly well in the state and are widely used in a wide variety of culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy.

Here’s a video about the annual event:

For more information on visiting the area, go online.

(Photo and video courtesy of Colorado Lavender Festival)