BETHEL- Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a non-profit performance venue, museum and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival—announced the opening of the 25th annual Harvest Festival. An annual farmers market taking place for six consecutive Sundays from August 27, 2023, through October 1, 2023, Harvest Festival celebrates the wonderful offerings and essence that Sullivan County has to offer – the product of local farms and makers, the talent and creativity of artisans, the entertainment of local and regional performers, the quality time spent with family and friends, and the sense of summer turning to autumn. The Harvest Festival has proven to be a mainstay event and source of strength for this community.
This year’s celebration is especially monumental, as it marks the 25th year of the farmers market. The first Harvest Festival, originally entitled “The Fall Garden Harvest Festival,” took place in 1999 with the goal of extending the summer visitor season into the fall. In 2008, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts took over management of Harvest Festival and now hosts the event annually. With fewer than 12 vendors participating in the inaugural festival, Harvest Festival’s scale has since expanded, currently showcasing over 110 regional vendors each Sunday, along with showcasing live music performances, vendors, an eclectic food court, beer garden, craft-making, and corn and hay mazes.
Special attractions will be featured from week-to-week in honor of the silver anniversary, including a tortoise sanctuary, Rosehaven Alpacas, a live mural artist, circus performers, axe-throwing, a live giant pumpkin carving, and more to be announced. Bethel Woods will be producing 6 collectible enamel pins unique to each date of the 25th anniversary series – the pins will be given away to the first 100 guests on each date. Opening remarks, awards to vendors who have been with the event for all 25 years, a silver ribbon cutting, and a marching band performance will kick off the first event of the series (August 27).
“In many ways, Harvest Festival played a significant role in shaping the vision for Bethel Woods as it was being established,” said Eric Frances, CEO, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “While it made sense to lean into the significance of the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Harvest Festival was the inspiration for how we would build community programming, support local growers and artisans, and showcase up-and-coming musicians.”
Confirmed performers for the 2023 Harvest Festival include Delaware Valley Raptors, and music by the Street Beat Brass Band, Jak Lizard, Cold Weather Company, Black Dirt Bandits and many more.
Sponsors for the 2023 Harvest Festival include Beam Suntory, Builders FirstSource, Eldred Preserve, Oak Ridge Winery and Johnston’s Toyota. Underwriting is provided by the Patricia & Stuart Salenger Foundation.
“With deep, historical roots in the Sullivan Catskills, this 25th anniversary year of Harvest Festival offers an opportunity to both commemorate a milestone and celebrate the progress and growth that the festival has accomplished since its inception,” said Frances. “From talent and cuisine to a diverse range of activities, the festival provides a little something for everyone, bringing together friends and families during the most beautiful time of year in our region.”
Festival attendance is free of charge. Starting this year, parking can be purchased online in advance at the discounted price of $5 at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. Day-of pricing increases to $7 and can only be purchased at the gate.
