Flavors of Fall at Harvest Fest

New Additions Keep Autumn Festival Fresh

Sept. 28, 2014

No one knows exactly how long the Boyne City Harvest Festival has been going on. It’s one of those events that seems like it’s always been there, as sure as the maple leaves change to red and the crops roll in.

"More than 10 years, at least," Jim Baumann mused. Baumann, executive director of the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, may not have a precise timeline, but he has noticed a change in the perception of the fest over the years in conjunction with the locavore movement.

"The "˜harvest’ concept has become more popular and relevant because people are so much more interested in the idea of locally grown foods and the farmers that make those happen," he explained. "The Boyne City Farmers Market is known as one of the best in the North, and it’s a major part of the festival." So much so that the fest is the only time the market moves downtown for the day; it’s usually located in Veteran’s Park.

PLENTY OF EVENTS

Fantastically fresh fruits and veggies aren’t the only draw at the Harvest Fest. First thing in the morning, runners, walkers, and dogs can be seen taking off for a jaunt along the lakeshore in the Charlevoix Humane Society’s Great Pumpkin Run, which starts at 8am.

The Farmers Market opens at the same time with artistic, colorful displays of apples, corn, and other fall produce. Two dozen unique scarecrows made by businesses and Boyne City residents will line the streets, keeping the vendors company and adding to the fall feel as over two dozen arts and crafts vendors open their stalls.

A few hours later, the hayrides begin and, by noon, music can be heard throughout the festival grounds from two stages. Performers include Don Judd and Friends, Spectrum, the Full Circle Band, and the Straight Forward Bluegrass Band.

AN OKTOBERFEST, TOO?

While all of this is classic Harvest Fest, there’s a new component being added this year, adding a little pizzazz. Just call it Boyne City’s own mini-Oktoberfest.

"Our acclaimed European restaurant, Cafe Santé (One Water Street), will be offering Oktoberfest German food, beverages, and music during the Harvest Fest," Baumann said. "They are bringing in AJ and Jeff Walker, a Polish band from Wisconsin and Cedar Creek Tanzlmusi, an oompah band from Petoskey."

Keeping with the Oktoberfest theme, The Wine Emporium and Boyne Country Provisions at 127 Water Street will be hosting a brew tasting from 1-4pm and a wine and cheese tasting from 4-7pm with no charge for either.

And, of course, throughout the whole festival, you can expect to see plenty of pumpkins, squash, cider, and other accoutrements of autumn. So enjoy the pleasant temperatures while you still can.

"Boyne City has lots of events during the warm weather, but this is the last chance to enjoy an outdoor festival until the Morel Festival next May," Baumann said.

The Boyne City Harvest Festival will take place Saturday, October 4 from 10am to 4pm. For more info, visit www.boyneharvestfestival.com or call 231-582-6222.