Basil harvest celebrated at organic Tampa farm with Pesto Festo

TAMPA, Fla. — It’s part food, part party and all organic.

We’re talking about the celebration, Pesto Festo.

It’s happening Saturday at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm.

That’s where we find we met Eric Lieb, one of the urban farmers on this six-acre plot of land in Tampa.

He showed off the Genovese basil — one of pesto’s main ingredients.

The celebration offers food, drink, music and dance. It’s been a major fundraiser for 30 years.

Lieb says events like Pesto Festo, along with their weekly farmers markets, are a chance for a communion of sorts.

“The most important thing is coming together,” said Lieb, “centering around something that’s a staple in our society, which is food. So when you celebrate food, celebrating together, can’t beat that.”