BWCA Announces 13th Annual Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods will kick-off its 13th season on Sunday, September 4th and continue Sunday’s through Columbus Day weekend on October 9th. The Festival is a community program of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and blends a traditional farmers market with a diverse craft village, offering music and educational programming. Hours are 11:00 am-4:00 pm daily.
The Harvest Festival has activities and entertainment for the entire family. The event will feature a farmers market, craft area, various foods from local vendors, live music, corn and hay mazes, and educational programming for children. Each week, various special events will be featured, offering a diverse line-up of activities for festival-goers.
Admission to the Festival is free; however, some activities have a charge and parking is $2. Pets are not permitted on Festival grounds. Season long support of the Children’s Area is provided by ShopRite Supermarkets.
Events to expect this season:
September 4: La Mantequilla Alpaca Fiesta – sponsored by Liberty Environmental Management – La Mantequilla Alpaca Fashions and Friends will bring live alpacas, exhibits, spinners and weavers along with a boutique offering scarves, shawls, gloves, hats, jackets, dresses, skirts, sweaters and teddy bears. Complimented by music, food and wine this event is has been a festival favorite, kicking off the harvest season. Music by: The John Slaver Trio; Agua Clara – Peruvian Music; Community Performance by the Janice Center
September 11: Third Annual Airing of the Quilts and Creation of the Community Quilt – presented by Calico Geese Quilters and Friends – quilts from the Catskills region will be on display in the event tent. The community is invited to participate in the creation of two community quilts: A quilt of remembrance & honor and a quilt of celebration & natural beauty. Music by: Darren and Albi; Stacy and Friends – the Next Generation; Community Performance of the Little Farm Show by NACL Theater
September 18: Earth Day in Autumn and the Live Well Be Well Event – Sponsored by SUNY Sullivan and Thompson Sanitation – Celebrate and take action for the Earth, while also making time to take care of yourself. Earth Day in Autumn will host conservation organizations, exhibits and activities related to the environment, wildlife and natural resources of the region. Festival-goers can learn about water, birds of prey, composting and other important issues and models for conscious living. As an extension of the environment, Earth Day will once again include demos and small workshops focused on yoga practices to improve quality of life and well-being. Yoga centers and product exhibitors will be on site to showcase their unique services. Celebrate the Earth by learning/practicing the Earth Salutation. Classes will focus on getting grounded with the Root Chakra, balance poses, and of course a Salute to the Sun as well. Enjoy an earthy guided meditation, Native American poetry and drumming. Music by: Janet Burgan; Obi and Nikoli; Mark Visconti and Krizta Moon. Presentation of Live Birds of Prey at 1:00 p.m.
September 25: Explore the Arts – a day of Local Art Music Theater and Dance – Sullivan County is rich and diverse in cultural and performing arts. This event will showcase the wide range of art and cultural opportunities right in our own backyard including the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center, the Janice Center, NACL Theater and the Liberty Free Theater. Performances and programs will take place throughout the day in the Event Tent and on the main stage. Come “Explore the Arts” as they gather on one site to present performances, workshops and demonstrations for the entire family. Next Generation II: Showcasing Emerging New Artists will once again be presented at the festival. This juried art show is open to area high school art students. This program connects the community with the talent of area youth. Selected pieces will be displayed in the Corridor Gallery at the Museum at Bethel Woods.
October 2: Chili day in October – sponsored by Jeff Bank- The Ninth Annual Chili cook-off at the Harvest Festival will feature surprises and excitement as community organizations again pair up with culinary programs and area restaurants in a friendly competition of skill and spirit. Who will take the title this year? Come out and be the judge! Suggested tasting donation will benefit participating organizations. Check back for contestant information.
Music by: Love Assasins; The Shots and the Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Band
October 9: Rustic Craft Event – sponsored by Catskill Regional Medical Center and VanGorders’ Furniture – This expanded specialty craft event will showcase wood carvings, handmade furniture, pottery, accessories and accents for the home. Just in time to begin your holiday shopping! Music by Kofi – African Drumming; Emish – Celtic Rock with an Edge
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a cultural center that inspires creative expression and civic engagement to enrich the human spirit. Among its primary visions is to present innovative, captivating performances, exhibitions and programs of the highest quality. Bethel Woods has presented the Harvest Festival each year as a celebration of the natural beauty, talent and bounty of Sullivan County and the surrounding area.
Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org for more information.
