County Executive Adam Bello announces free Harvest Festival coming to Northampton Park on September 26

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County residents will have an opportunity to welcome the arrival of fall with a day of family activities, local agriculture and outdoor fun when the Harvest Festival comes to Northampton Park in Ogden on Saturday, September 26.

County Executive Adam Bello announced details for the free event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park. Organizers have planned a variety of activities intended for visitors of all ages, with a strong focus on hands-on experiences and the area’s agricultural traditions.

Families attending the festival will be able to make their own scarecrows, take tractor rides and visit a petting zoo featuring animals from nearby Springdale Farm. Cornell Cooperative Extension will also be on hand with interactive agricultural activities, giving visitors a chance to learn more about farming and the role agriculture plays in the local community.

“We’re excited to welcome families to Northampton Park for the new Harvest Festival,” said County Executive Bello. “This event will focus on free, hands-on activities that celebrate the fall season. From crafts to a petting zoo and local food and drinks, there will be something for everyone!”

The festival will offer more than activities for children and families. Local food and drinks will be part of the celebration, while artists, farmers market vendors and food and beverage trucks are also being invited to take part.

The county is encouraging local vendors to apply for a spot at the event. Applications are due by midnight Sunday, September 13, giving businesses and vendors an opportunity to join the festival and showcase their products to residents.

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The day will actually begin before the main festival gets underway. The Harvest Fest Trail Races, hosted by MedVed, are scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. The races will include both a 1-mile course and a 5-mile race, with runners of all abilities encouraged to participate.

The trail races add an active outdoor component to the day’s schedule, allowing participants to start the morning on the trails at Northampton Park before the wider festival begins at 11 a.m. Those interested in taking part can find registration and additional information online at RunSignup.

Legislator Robert Colby said the event also provides an opportunity to recognize Monroe County’s farmers and the contribution they make to the local economy and community.

“Monroe County’s farmers are an essential part of our local economy and our way of life – events like the Harvest Festival are an important opportunity to recognize the work they do every day,” said Legislator Robert Colby. “I’m proud to support an event that connects families with local agriculture, gives our farmers and vendors a chance to showcase what they produce, and celebrates the important role farming continues to play in our community.”

The Harvest Festival is being organized through a partnership involving Monroe County Parks, Springdale Farm and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The event is also receiving additional financial support through an Empower Local Partners grant from the New York State Education Department. The grant is part of the New York State 250 commemoration.

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Organizers say the festival will bring together several parts of the community in one location, from families looking for seasonal activities to local farmers, vendors and artists hoping to connect with residents.

With its combination of crafts, animals, agriculture, food, outdoor activities and trail races, the Harvest Festival is set to provide a full day of fall-themed entertainment at Northampton Park. The main festival is free to attend and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 26.

Residents looking for festival updates, vendor information or application details can visit the Monroe County Harvest Festival website.