Real men wear butterfly wings

I have quickly grown weary of asking everyone I see about their summer, or lack thereof. Still grappling with the fact that the entire world does not revolve around me, I’ve been taking the rainy, wet, cloudy, poor excuse for a summer personally. The lack of camping, boating and all-round summer fun was depressing at first, until I looked at the silver lining and realized how grateful I find myself when spectacular days come our way.

Today is the first day of fall, and I am grateful. Over the weekend, we had the great good fortune to be blessed with spectacular weather, and it was high time to get myself away from the computer and out into this beautiful world we inhabit. How fortunate I feel to live in the Catskills, with the gorgeous scenery, clean air and so many outdoor activities to take advantage of—when Mother Nature smiles down upon us.

Reinvigorated, I decided to take advantage of my close proximity to the Bethel Woods Harvest Festival, now in the third week of its six-week schedule of events.

According to the literature handed to me by a burly man sporting butterfly wings, “What makes the Harvest Festival unique is a strong sense of community that is reflected within our mission to support sustainability through buying local. Community ideas are reflected throughout the event. The Harvest Festival offers a chance for people to gather and connect on many levels. The farmers’ market brings together growers and shoppers and offers the rare opportunity for visitors to interact with the hard working people who produce and harvest their food.”

This week’s theme was “Earth Day in Autumn,” and it certainly lived up to its moniker. Everywhere I looked, I spied adults and children alike wearing the aforementioned butterfly wings and flocking to the enclosed habitat for hands-on mingling with the beautiful creatures. Each week offers something different, but all events include vendors, entertainment, glorious food, pony rides, corn mazes, children’s activities and an opportunity for community, friends and neighbors to congregate and celebrate the glories of the harvest.

I wandered throughout visiting booths that offer a share in the bounty of our region. The festival is a grand opportunity to learn more about our area and offers a “chance to share information about the various local groups and possibly recruit volunteers” for the variety of causes and concerns, opportunities and exchanging of ideas that bring us all closer together as a community. Supporting our local farmers and crafters, enjoying the talents of artisans, writers and performers are but a few of the many joys that make the Harvest Festival an experience that (in my humble opinion) should be experienced by all.

I perused the farmers’ market and found everything I needed to complete my outdoor cornucopia that welcomes visitors to my home. The pumpkins, gourds and array of Indian corn (what we call maize) gives the overall effect I wished to achieve and I moved on to the vendors (after selecting some incredible handmade chocolate peanut butter and fudge.)

While slurping on the fabulous Italian ices provided by yet another local vendor, I moved on to shopping, shopping, shopping! Jewelry, pottery and a vast array of “green-produced” clothing and tchotkes. I selected a beautiful, hand-dyed Coir doormat bedecked with appropriately designed peace signs.

I perused the calendar as I ran into friends and neighbors while pausing to listen to song stylist Janet Burgan entertain the masses, and momentarily looked ahead. September 27 is the Mountain Music Festival, which will feature bluegrass music and workshops all day. Apparently, the “First Annual Airing of the Quilts” will take place under the Event Tent. Sounds colorful.

Chili Day in October is always popular and will take place on October 4, sponsored in part by our friends at Jeff Bank. I’m always a bit melancholy when the festival draws to a close, as it does this year on October 11 with one of my favorite themes, the “Rustic Home Craft Festival.” I’m already saving my shekels for something special, since there will be a tremendous selection of home goods, furniture, and hand-crafted items laboriously crafted with love (and talent) by a variety of local artisans.

All events at the Bethel Woods Harvest Festival feature children’s activities, art and education programs, museum events, live music and book signings, so there is definitely something for everyone. I shudder to think how close the holidays are—but it is certainly time to check our lists and attend the festival where one is sure to find just the right thing and have a wonderful time in the process. The events are free to the public with a nominal $2 parking fee, so join me, won’t you? You’ll be glad you did.

Visit workingwithoutanet.blogspot.com for Jonathan Fox’s blog.