At the 27th annual Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, you'll have plenty of opportunity to hug a farmer, get a jump start on your holiday shopping, and fully experience an authentic autumn festival that has become a yearly tradition for visitors and locals alike.
For the second year in a row, Harvest Fest will take place outdoors in large event tents on the Hood River waterfront overlooking the Columbia River -- adding a breath of fresh air and true harvest experience. As attendees enjoy Harvest Fest, they can also relax on the Hood River waterfront and watch windsurfers and kiteboarders play on the Columbia River.
| Presenting sponsor Pacific Power returns for third year. |
Each year, more than 25,000 people wind their way through a bounty of festivities, including:
Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables from the world-class orchards and farms of the Hood River Valley;
Over 100 artists from around the country displaying unique, hand-crafted merchandise just in time for the holiday season;
A kids' zone for all sorts of family fun -- including a 20' climbing wall, bounce house, face painters, kids' bands, balloon twisters and a gathering place for families;
A food court with menus from around the world, along with all the traditional festival favorites;
An entertainment tent with Full Sail craft beer and wine from Naked Winery. Live music will be featured throughout the entire weekend;
Wine tastings from award-winning Columbia Gorge wineries;
Fresh, homemade pies including apple, cherry, strawberry/rhubarb and huckleberry. Pies will be sold by the slice (a la mode) or as whole pies with proceeds to benefit the Hood River Valley Adult Center.
"Visitors seldom leave Harvest Fest without boxes of Anjou pears, heirloom apples, pumpkins, berries, flowers and a smorgasbord of prepared foods from pies to jams and smoked salmon to chocolate-covered nuts," said Mary Closson, Executive Director of the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce. "And vendors offer everything from fine art to glass, wood sculpture, ceramics, photography, fiber art and jewelry as live music keeps shoppers entertained. It is truly a wondrous event."
Pacific Power Returns as Presenting Sponsor
Pacific Power leads a line-up of top sponsors returning to support this year's Harvest Fest. Other major sponsors include Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Bob Stone Freeway Autocenter, Northwest Natural and Bi-Coastal Media, Port of Hood River and KINK.fm.
Harvest Dash sponsored by Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
This year marks the 2nd Annual Harvest Dash, a walking and running event organized by Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital. The event on Saturday, Oct. 17, includes 10K and 5K runs, and a 1K family fun walk. Cost is $25, which includes admission to Harvest Fest. Registration runs from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.providence.org/hoodriver.
| Costumes, pumpkins and running shoes: The 2nd Annual Providence Harvest Dash |
Harvest Fest Hours:
Harvest Fest runs from 1 to 7 pm. Friday, Oct. 16; 10 am to 7 pm Saturday, October 17; and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday, October 18.
Harvest Fest Directions:
To reach the event, take Exit 63 from I-84 in Hood River, and turn toward the river. Signs will direct motorists to free parking adjacent to the event venue. As in years past, admission to Harvest Fest grounds is $5, and children under 12 are admitted at no charge.
Rain or shine, Harvest Fest is a tradition in the Hood River Valley. For more information, contact the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 366-3530.
