National Lentil Festival celebrates 30 years

The 30th annual National Lentil Festival is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 18, at Reaney Park in Pullman.

The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday evening with free samples of lentil chili.

There’s also an “Ask the Experts” panel on the Cooking Demo Stage at 6:30 p.m. and music on the Hometown Chevy Main Stage from Redwood Son, Brewer’s Grade Band and The Brevet.

Saturday’s activities begin with the Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run, Pullman Lion’s Club Lentil Pancake Breakfast and the Circles of Caring Tennis Tournament. The Little Lentil Sprout Parade starts at 11 a.m. It’s followed by the WSECU Grand Parade.

There’s also a 3-on-3 Tournament in Reaney Park. And, 100 attendees will have the opportunity to sample and vote for the People’s Choice Award for the Legendary Lentil Cook-off. Saturday will also feature live cooking demonstrations and a Main Stage lineup that includes Cody Beebe & the Crooks, Austin Jenckes and The Cadillac Three.

The schedule for cooking demos is:

Noon, executive chef Jamie Callison from Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management and the author of “The Crimson Spoon” cookbook. Recipe: Moroccan Lentil and Sweet Potato Cakes with Arugula-Cherry Tomato Salad, Labneh and Spiced Yogurt

1 p.m., chef Patty Brehm, the chef and owner of Kitchen Counter in Moscow, Idaho. Recipe: Roasted Lemon Chickpea Salad.

2 p.m., chef Gretchen Stoops Luongo, the Kitchen Manager of Moscow Food Co-op. Recipe: Triple Lentil Bites, featuring Sprouted Lentils, Curried Lentil Socca and Coconut Crema.

The lentil fest started in 1989. For more information and a complete list of activities, visit www.lentilfest.com, or call 800-365-6948.