With only a few days left to prepare, members from the heritage preservation commission, in conjunction with several other organizations, will be busy finalizing plans for the third annual Mustard Walk, set for Feb. 8.

"We're right on track," said Phylis Ballingall, chairwoman of the heritage preservation commission. "Everything is coming together quite nicely."

According to Ballingall, the commissioners have been brainstorming ideas for this year's event since last October. They expect a larger turnout than the 800 visitors of a year ago. There were an estimated 500 visitors in 2002.

"We'd like to have at least 2,000 people show up at this event," Ballingall said. "It's important that people understand the history of the city in which they live, which used to be called the Valley of Heart's Delight. I'm hoping that this will lead to a blossom festival, which would include more citywide activities throughout the mustard season."

The festival will feature a variety of activities—docent-guided tours through the orchard, donkey-cart rides courtesy of Mayor Ann Waltonsmith, cheese sampling, wine tasting offered by approximately 20 private vintners and art exhibits depicting agricultural lifestyles.

Like the attendance, the number of participants and activities is also expanding. The festival will showcase a variety of musical performances that are reminiscent of the early 1900s. Taking stage once again will be the fiddlers from Lee Ann Welch's band, who will be sharing the spotlight with four new groups—the Skillet Lickers, the Slaints, the Russian Troubadour and the Sweet Adelines.

The commission will be revving up the event by adding an antique-car show. Visitors can cast all eyes upon an impressive display of shiny cars dating back to pre-World War II years.

While some may be occupied by the cars, others can take the opportunity to learn about Saratoga's orchard history. There will be enlarged archival photos of the canning process, fieldworkers and label-making from the San Jose Historical Museum. In addition, the Saratoga Historical Foundation, first-time participant, will be selling books and pamphlets about the city's history.

The Novakovich family will be returning with a table of fruits and will answer questions about pruning and the canning process. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Butter Paddle will be showing off their culinary skills with cooking demonstrations using mustard. A variety of appetizers and salad dressings will be available for sampling, and visitors can purchase a recipe book compiled by the volunteers.

"We're looking forward to the event," said Jan Furman, a Butter Paddle volunteer. "Several of the ladies have expressed interest in participating. It'll be a fun experience and there will be a lot of good food."

The Mustard Walk will be held rain or shine at the Heritage Orchard and the Warner Hutton House, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to
3 p.m.