After a successful event last year, the Harvest Faire returns to the Greenbank Farm on Sunday, Sept. 8, to celebrate the start of the harvest season with local flavors, art and some fierce competition.
This family- and pet-friendly event is hosted by the Port of Coupeville and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 765 Wonn Road in Greenbank. Last year, according to Event Coordinator Muri Mitschak, it drew a crowd of about 3,000 to 4,000 people to one of Whidbey’s historic and most iconic buildings.
At 2 p.m., visitors can participate in a pie eating competition by registering the day of the event at the farm. While stuffing one’s mouth with pie is a victory in itself, the winner will take home a basket with gift cards and goodies from the farm’s businesses.
The hay ride will take passengers on a tour of the farm and the dahlias. Gardening enthusiasts can also speak with Washington State University’s master gardeners, who will answer any questions while showing the farm’s plants.
Ballydidean Farm Sanctuary will also be in attendance, bringing some farm animals including Petunia the pig, who stole many hearts last year.
The beer garden is open to families who can sit down and enjoy blues and soft rock music brought by two local performers, Mike Hopkins and Sky Blue.
The event will feature 50 artisan vendors selling jewelry, paintings, woodwork, treats, personal care products, candles and more, according to Mitschak. The food vendors, all from Whidbey, will provide ice cream, Italian food, Southern food, hot dogs and kettle corn.
Fire of the Art Gallery, Greenbank Cheese Shop, Greenbank Farm Wine Shop, Old Spots Bistro, Whidbey Pies, the Pup Stop and Island Gifts and Collectibles will also keep their doors open for fair goers, where they can find fancy drinks, handmade gifts, charcuterie plates, pies and more.
To burn off energy, kids and families can participate in lawn games like corn hole and badminton, or even make up their own games. Mitschak recalled some kids hitting basketballs with golf clubs last year.
Under the white and yellow circus tent, children can build scarecrows, paint birdhouses and get their faces painted.
While planning the fair, Mitschak also took into consideration the die-hard Seahawks fans, who will be able to watch the 1:05 p.m. game from three different screens inside the barn, free of charge, while the rest of the family enjoys the fair.
Chris Michalopoulos, the port’s executive director, recalled seeing many smiles last year thanks to the efforts of port staff and volunteers and is excited to see the community come together to visit local vendors.
The Harvest Faire is part of Island County’s Eat Local Month lineup, which includes events such as the Blueberry U-Pick at Silva Family Farm during the first two weekends of September, Wildly Beloved’s pasta workshops on Sept. 7 and 21, Whidbey Farm and Market’s Corn Fest on Sept. 14 and 15, the Whidbey Island Cider Festival on Sept. 28 and more.
Photo provided Some pie eating contestants dig in during last year’s Harvest Faire.
