Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/17/2023
SPRINGFIELD — From fall brews and fare to face painting and pumpkin decorating, there is something for everyone at the Harvest Fest on Oct. 21.
The event, hosted by the Springfield Business Improvement District, will take place at Tower Square Park from 1-4 p.m.
There will be several free activities for children including pick-your-own pumpkins — while supplies last — face painting and crafts with the Springfield Cultural partnership and cornhole.
On the food front, Jackalope will be serving brick oven pizza, El Encanto Taino will have harvest bowls and White Lion Brewing — an event partner — will have its Wild Dandelion mobile beer truck, said Springfield BID Executive Director Michelle Grout.
Marketing & Creative Services Project Manager Samantha Savoie shared that there will be eight local vendors that range from produce to crafts. Some of the vendors include The Flower Shed, with plants and succulents; Paper Designs, greeting cards and more; Funky Fusion, blown glass and Bay Horse Soaperie.
Throughout the afternoon, live entertainment will be ongoing with music from Malado.
Savoie noted that kids’ costumes are encouraged, which was “a lot of fun” last year.
The free event is open to the public.
Grout said this is the second year the Harvest Fest has taken place in its “full form.”
The idea for the event came to fruition during COVID-19, when the BID was supporting residents by offering free pumpkin pickups, goodie bags, coloring books and more for children downtown.
The event will take place rain or shine, however, if there is a torrential downpour, adjustments will be made. Grout said the BID typically donates any leftover pumpkins and will likely do the same by distributing them in the case of inclement weather.
Last year, about 300 pumpkins were given away. Grout and Savoie are both hopeful for another successful year.
The pumpkins for the Harvest Fest are sponsored by Chase Bank and face painting and crafts are sponsored by the Springfield Central Cultural District.
For additional information on the Harvest Fest, visit springfielddowntown.com/harvestfest.