For the next several weeks, members of the commission will be busy at work, preparing for the annual Mustard Walk, which is less than two months away on Feb. 8. The group has been brainstorming possible activities and participants since early October.

Phylis Ballingall, the commission's chairwoman, said she is hopeful of yet another successful year. According to her, the turnout at the last event—the second annual—was significantly higher than the first one, with approximately 800 attendees, at least 300 more than the year prior.

"Our goal is to have a turnout of at least 2,000 people this year," Ballingall said. "Hopefully, some of the new additions that the commission is working on will arouse more interest and attract more residents."

Rain or shine, the event will feature the same activities as previous years—docent-led tours of the Heritage Orchard, donkey-wagon rides, free food and wine tastings, art exhibits and cooking demonstrations using mustard.

Ballingall and fellow commissioners said that the event last year ran relatively smoothly with the exception of one important feature that was lacking—mustard plants. According to Commissioner Patricia Bailey, most of the plants in the Heritage Orchard were oxalis, which is similar in appearance to mustard plants.

"Hopefully the mustard plants will bloom in time for this year's event," Bailey said. "After all, it is called the Mustard Walk."

Some of the added attractions that the commission is trying to incorporate in this year's event include a petting zoo, an antique car show and a silent auction.

"This is a great opportunity for Saratogans to celebrate the city's history and to thank those who have fought to preserve the orchard," Bailey said. "The orchard is a great resource for the community. It's important that people understand what it is all about."

At the Dec. 9 heritage preservation commission meeting, Jill Hunter, chairwoman of the planning commission, suggested having coloring and face-painting activities for children. Lee Murray of the arts commission, who was also present at the meeting, said adding children's activities would be a good idea, based on the success of the Art in the Park event, which featured similar activities.

Ballingall said that the commission hopes to extract no more than $1,000 from its $1,500 budget, which is half of what was spent on last year's event. It's also the amount that was spent on food alone, which consisted of deli platters with meat and cheese. This year, the commission is counting on local restaurants to offer some support. Members are also hoping to have a company based in Oregon donate an assortment of mustards, from cranberry-flavored to horseradish-blended, which they have done in previous years. A portion of the money will go toward repairing a banner and purchasing miscellaneous items.

In addition, the arts commission is inviting artists to submit any piece of artwork relating to the city's agricultural history for the event. Applications must be received by Jan. 16. For more information, contact arts commission liaison Kim Saxton-Heinrichs at 408.868.1248.