Island life and its unique culture are on full display at this year’s Loganberry Festival.

The 22nd annual event will be held Saturday and Sunday at the historic Greenbank Farm. “Back to the Farm” is this year’s theme, and it encompasses food plus a whole lot more, according to festival volunteer director Faith Wilder.

“Nurturing what is best about the land and lifestyle of Whidbey is what the farm is all about,” said Wilder. “That philosophy is reflected in our reinvigorating the Loganberry Festival to reflect an amazing community — the organizations, arts, foods and entertainment that make the island and the farm so special.”

It wouldn’t be Whidbey without the Navy and this year local sailors from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island have helped in a big way. Public affairs spokesman Tony Popp said their volunteers will be involved with everything from cooking hamburgers to supervising the pie-eating contest.

“In fact, we’re looking at a unique sort of partnership this year with the farm,” said Popp. “One that could perhaps serve as a model for future efforts.

“After all the expenses are subtracted, the Navy and the farm will split the gross proceeds. The Navy volunteers can pick their choice of nonprofit organizations to receive donations. The farm will be able to keep their half of the proceeds to benefit their farmer training program,” he said.

Other ways in which Navy personnel are helping include assisting children’s activities, overall set-up and take-down of equipment needed for food preparation and more.

Farm publicity volunteer Victory Schouten called the Navy volunteers’ spirit “amazing”.

“We really appreciate the Navy’s generous participation” said Schouten. “We would love to encourage a great number of Navy families to come out and enjoy the festival. It is really very family-centric, and they would have a great time.”

The festival itself has greatly expanded this year to include more than 100 booths and exhibitors, reflecting the farm’s role as a center for sustainable agriculture, recreation, environmental education and small-scale economic development. There are a number of new arts and crafts vendors offering a variety of hand-crafted items.

Other new attractions this year are 4-H exhibits with chicks, goats, cows and horses; booths with farm produce and plants; more local artisan foods; expanded children’s activities; and tours of the farm’s agricultural training center and new solar power station.

Look for returning attractions as well. Hay rides, pie-eating contests and delicious festival food will be back and better than ever, according to organizers.

“We view the festival through children’s eyes – lots of fun things to do, new experiences, a few surprises: all within an old-fashioned setting,” said Wilder. “If the kids enjoy it, the kid in each of us will enjoy it, too.”

If art, science and technology, good food and fun aren’t enough, add some music to the mix.

The air will be filled with the music of Whidbey’s favorite musicians and groups throughout the weekend, such as the award-winning barbershop group Cheers; tropical jazz men Bahia; the Shifty Sailors; Rural Characters; Island Strings; Danny Ward and Reality; Spoonshine Duo and more.

In the tasting tents, more than 20 Whidbey and Puget Sound wineries will be offering tastings of their finest wines. Several top Whidbey breweries will be offering their best beers as well.

There is no admission fee, although there is a $3 parking fee.

For information, email operations@greenbankfarm.com or call 222-3151 or 678-7700.