Folks peddling their handmade products, freshly-pressed apple cider and kids running around on the grass playing games might seem like the type of community-centered activity experienced a couple of generations ago in small-town USA.
Thanks to an idea that volunteer Susan Stogsdill brought to Marys River Grange in 2018, the same type of atmosphere returns to Philomath each fall with the annual Harvest Fest. The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Marys River Grange Hall.
“I think we have about 20 vendors and it’s a good variety, it’s new stuff that’s not been out there before mixed in with some of the old,” Stogsdill said.
Asked to provide examples of some of the variety of vendors, she mentioned scarves, handmade books, knitted items, art, lotions, woodcarving, stepping stones, craft jewelry and even painted gourds — just to name a few.
Sunbow Farms will return this year with produce items. Nick’s: Soul Food, which offers authentic Southern soul food, plans to bring out its food truck.
“We will have the cider press going so people can buy their jugs of cider,” Stogsdill added. “There will be outdoor games available … we’re crossing our fingers that the weather’s good.”
GreenGable Farm, which is situated next door, will have its corn maze open to provide another activity for festivalgoers.
Admission to Harvest Fest is free. There is a charge to enter GreenGable’s corn maze.
Proceeds from Harvest Fest go into a repair fund to help cover maintenance expenses for the historic hall, which was originally constructed in 1934. A junior room, added in later years, is the organization’s current project.
“We had to do some mold eradication and so now they have the remodel in that room going on so that’s where the funds will go,” Stogsdill said.