Newburyport's Harvest Festival highlights city's transformation

By SONYA VARTABEDIAN

Essex County Newspapers

NEWBURYPORT _ When downtown Newburyport transformed itself into a historic seaport 27 years ago, it was cause for celebration.

To show the public the changes being made to the city as part of the downtown redevelopment, the city decided to hold a fall fair as a draw to invite visitors in to experience the conversion.

Like downtown and the city itself, the fair has seen many transformations since it started.

Over the years, it has evolved into a Fall Harvest Festival that attracts hundreds of people to the city over the course of two days.

The seasonal tradition continues this year when the 27th annual fair fills the streets surrounding downtown Newburyport and Market Square on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Today, the event features more than 100 regional artisans offering handcrafted items, many of which are one-of-a-kind.

"People do all of their Christmas shopping at the fair," said Joan Bouchard of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

A selection of seasonal food to satisfy all appetites will be available. Area restaurants and chefs will be cooking up some of the fare they are known for, and local farm stands will be featuring the pick of their fall crops.

Entertainment will be ongoing both days on two stages in the heart of the festival in Market Square and on Tracy Place off Pleasant Street. Monday's activities will be focused more on children, with a doughnut-eating contest, a pet parade, and other events.

Visitors both days are invited to grab a seat on a hayride or horse and buggy ride. There will also be pony rides, face painting farm animals, and more.

In addition, many Newburyport merchants will participate by opening the doors to their shops and boutiques.

The Fall Harvest Festival is organized and run by the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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