Editor's note
Something that may surprise you is that historically, these pale compared to the number of people involved in food. When you think about it, we are in the Adirondack Mountains; it's not like you could do a lot of large-scale farming, so food production, transportation (it is the largest national or state park in the contiguous 48 states), cooking, hunting, fishing, and the like relied on a whole network of people. Nearly everyone was involved, at least part of their day, with some aspect of food.
This connection with wellness and food was apparent during the Cure Cottage days, as it could be a struggle to feed those whose ability to take in food required a new look at nutrition. But that was not food’s only role. It was used to buoy their mind and spirit through food-related activities such as learning about natural tonics and wellness practices, where meal times were often the stage to do this and develop a sense of camaraderie.
Today, we often think of food as a chore or related to a diet, and we need to remember how nutrition can help our mind, body, and spirit.
For example, the colors of food. Food comes in various colors and is part of the attraction when we admire food displays or fancy dinners.
And is it a coincidence that one of the most critical times of year throughout civilized history is the fall harvest season? Why is it that nature explodes with a full array of colors, from fall foliage to a rainbow of harvest foods? Red apples, orange pumpkins, yellow squash, green peppers, brown potatoes, and you can repeat those colors and many more as you see the litany of the harvest bounty.
But does nature provide different colors to make food appetizing, or is there a reason there are so many colors?
As an occupational therapist and Executive Chef at the Lake Clear Lodge & Resort, I have discovered many reasons for this, and it is just part of the cornerstone of nearly 30 years of investigation and hands-on practices that led to my Nutritional Energetics program.
Colors - energies - frequencies…it is all related. But put very simply..every color is a nutrient. That’s why they say - “eat the rainbow.” It is a fun and easy way to know you are getting different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Your body is built of many different frequencies and energies, and food is one of the ways to help keep you energized and balanced.
And what does that have to do with Octoberfest? Once Prince Ludwig and Princess Teresa were married, they were not interested in holding another fall event. The farmers and others thought it may be a good idea to celebrate the fall harvest.
But the idea of celebrating nature’s bounty goes back to ancient history, and food was one of the earliest known rituals and celebrations.
In fact, beer was not even part of the celebration during the early years of Octoberfest. Can you imagine that?
That is why we call our fall theme “Adirondack Harvest Oktoberfest,” And yes, we have fun with our History of Oktoberfest Beer Tastings. You can explore the hidden beer and wine cellar in our 1920s Adirondack Speakeasy; it is the best time of year to bring out all the Adirondacks can offer in terms of its harvest and to remember the traditions of the Hohmeyer family, first-generation Europeans as we bring a flavor of Octoberfest foods - Adirondack Alps style - in a Great Camp dinner style with cooking demonstrations and yes, a menu full of the colors of food!