Harvest Festival reaps 10-year bounty

By SANDY LONG

BETHEL, NY — Crowds thronged the Bethel Woods grounds last Sunday, but not for the purpose of catching one of the last main stage shows of the season. They came to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods. The annual event offers a series of specially themed markets which have just begun for the 2008 harvest season.

The family-friendly festival features approximately 100 vendors selling fresh farm produce, artisanal crafts and delicious foods. Children’s activities, pony rides, corn and hay mazes keep the kids happy, while everyone enjoys the regional musical acts and scarecrow displays.

The Harvest Festival occurs every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., August 24 through Columbus Day weekend, rain or shine. Admission and parking are free. The event is held at the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, NY, where festival-goers may purchase tickets to The Museum at Bethel Woods, which explores the ‘60s and Woodstock.

Harvest Festival Schedule

August 31 - Alpaca Festival

History of alpaca farming, demonstrations by spinners and weavers and live alpacas. Boutique offering scarves, shawls, gloves, hats, jackets, dresses, skirts, sweaters and teddy bears.

Performers: Cooper Boone, Somerville. Book signing by Beth Quinn.

September 7 - Rustic for the Home

Handmade furnishings crafted by local artisans. Expanded specialty craft area featuring wood carvings, homemade furniture, pottery, accessories and accents for the home.

Performers: Janet Burgan, Helen Avakian. Book signing by Rilla Askew.

September 14 - Mountain Music Festival

A celebration of traditional acoustic and bluegrass music featuring performances and workshops on mandolin, Bluegrass banjo, Bluegrass guitar and more. Open jam at 3:00 p.m. in the events tent. Bring your instrument.

Performers: Breakneck Annie, Biodiesel Band, North Country and Mike Baglione & Friends with special guest Larry Packer. Book signing by Malachy McCourt.

September 21 - Earth Day in Autumn

Connect with organizations working to promote environmental awareness. Learn about renewable energy, land preservation, sustainable green building, recycling and much more! See live birds of prey by Delaware Valley Raptor Center at 1:00 pm. Enjoy Arm of the Sea Theater and their Turtle Island Medicine Show.

Performers: Judith Tulloch. Book signing by Upper Delaware Writers Collective and Catskill Area Writers.

September 28 - The Ag Experience

Cornell Cooperative Extension presents a day of informative agricultural exhibits and farming activities in this Catskill farm experience event. Exhibits include master gardeners, cows, horses, maple syrup, bee keeping and more.

Performers: Basket Landing and The Bernstein Trio. Book signing by Larry Winters.

October 5 - Cajun Festival

Wear the traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, purple and gold at this Zydeco celebration. Children can make masks and be part of the “Mask” Parade. Area restaurants will provide a taste of New Orleans with dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya.

Performers: Cleoma’s Ghost. Book signing by Sharon Philips.

October 12 - Chili Cook-Off

A friendly competition between area fire departments to see who can create the best chili. You be the judge!

Performers: 1967 - Classic Nostalgia, The Shots & the Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Band. Book signing by Patrick Thom.