A Fundraiser for PC near Bryce Canyon National Park
PC researcher, Dr. Roger Kaspar, and his family hosted a fun and educational fundraiser for Pachyonychia Congenita (PC) in Panguitch, Utah, a town just outside Bryce National Park.
From Dr. Kaspar: In recognition of the harvest of our Panguitch-grown quinoa (many varieties are experimental), we hosted the 3rd annual Quinoa Harvest and Andean Festival on September 23th. The main event was a dinner buffet catered by La Carreta Peruvian restaurant and featured such delicacies as lomo saltado, ceviche, chicha morada, quinoa, etc. For dessert, housemade ice cream featured Andean flavors such as lucuma, passion fruit and mango. Panguitch Gem-original dark chocolate quinoa crunch bars was also enjoyed. During dinner, the group was treated to traditional Andean music performed by Los Hermanos de Los Andes.
Earlier in the day, other free activities were enjoyed by all. In the morning, participants ate a light breakfast before going on a group hike, accompanied by llamas, and were treated to an open-air concert in magical Casto Canyon (part of Red Canyon). At noon, at the experimental quinoa plot (135 N 400 E, Panguitch), the group enjoyed a Taste of Quinoa Potluck (new this year). All who brought a dish containing quinoa were entered into a raffle. Jessica Draper, a certified nutritionist educated the group on the many nutritional benefits of quinoa. Professor Rick Jellen from Brigham Young University led the Meet-the-Experts question and answer session to discuss quinoa. There were also demonstrations on how to use the guaraca, an Andean slingshot. The llamas were available for photo ops and gave rides to small children.
All proceeds from this event went to the PC Project. The Kaspar Family wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support PC Project’s mission to help patients who live with this extremely painful, rare and inherited skin disease. If you were not able to attend the Festival, please consider making a donation directly to PC Project.
More info on the festival can be found here. This event was partly sponsored by a grant from the Garfield County Tourist Council.
SCHEDULE 2023
8:00 am — Hike/Music with llamas in Red Canyon – meet for light breakfast at the Two Sunsets Hotel (50 No. Main St.) and ferry to hiking spot in Casto Canyon. After the short hike, Los Hermanos de Los Andes favor us with a concert with the red rocks and llamas in the background. New this year will be a dance troupe from Latin Dance Heritage (free).
9:00 am — Los Hermanos de Los Andes CONCERT in Red Canyon begins accompanied by Latin Dance Heritage ensemble (free).
Noon – 12:30 pm – “Taste of Quinoa” potluck (new this year!) at the quinoa field, 135 N. 400 E. Try a variety of quinoa dishes! Free, but please bring a quinoa or other dish to share. Jessica Draper, a certified nutritionist, will give a short presentation on the health benefits of quinoa. Those that bring a quinoa dish will be entered into a raffle to win exciting prizes.
12:30 – 1:00 pm — Meet the Experts at the quinoa field, 135 N. 400 E. See how quinoa is grown and harvested. Dr. Rick Jellen (international quinoa researcher) and other experts will be on hand for short presentations and answer quinoa questions. Eric Hoffman, who literally wrote the book on alpacas and llamas and their care, will give a short presentation and answer questions. There will be llama rides available to small kids (all free).
5:30 pm — Peruvian buffet (La Carreta Peruvian Restaurant) begins at the social hall (65 E. Center St.), accompanied by live music (Los Hermanos de Los Andes) and dance performers (Latin Dance Heritage) until around 7:00 pm (ticket required). Please, please, please buy your tickets early so we can plan well. Tickets can be purchased on EventBright ($20 for adults + booking fee, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quinoa-harvest-and-andean-festival-2023-tickets-643689652077?aff=erelexpmlt) or in person at the Panguitch Gem Theater (no fee).
9:00 pm – Free Movie at the GEM THEATER – TBD
