High Peaks Harvest Fest Returns to Saranac Lake, Celebrating Autumn and Winter Market Transition

Saranac Lake is set to embrace the vibrant spirit of autumn with the return of the second annual High Peaks Harvest Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, from noon to 4 p.m., the event will transform Hotel Saranac and Berkley Green into a hub of community celebration, marking a significant transition for the local farmers market.

A Celebration of Fall in the Adirondacks

The High Peaks Harvest Festival, a beloved event designed to capture the essence of the fall season in the Adirondack region, promises a delightful afternoon for all attendees. This year’s festival builds upon the success of its inaugural event, bringing together a rich tapestry of local offerings, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Katrina Glynn, Saranac Lake’s community development director, highlighted the festival’s role in uniting food, beverages, art, music, and local crafts, stating, “The festival brings food, beverages, art, music and local crafts together in a celebration of the season.” She added, “Visitors will be able to speak with artisan vendors, savor farm-fresh bites, sip seasonal craft drinks and enjoy live performances throughout the day. When you add in the gorgeous fall colors in the background, it’s everything we love about fall in the Adirondacks”. The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine, with provisions for moving to Hotel Saranac in the event of inclement weather.

Festival Highlights and Family Fun

Berkley Green will be the central location for many festival activities, commencing at noon and welcoming a diverse array of vendors and exhibitors. Attendees can anticipate a wide selection of food trucks, including popular local eateries like Mountain Munchies, Waffle Cabin, and Mountain Chef, serving up everything from sandwiches and soups to waffles. Local beverage producers will also be featured, with Hex and Hop Brewing and Adirondack Mobile Bar offering their craft selections at Berkley Green, while Gristmill Distillery will be present at the farmers market location.

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival is designed to entertain the entire family. Activities throughout the afternoon will include pumpkin decorating, balloon sculptures, and a bounce house for children. A special attraction for younger visitors will be a fire department truck, allowing children to explore the equipment and experience what it’s like to sit in the driver’s seat. This engaging event provides a unique opportunity for the community to connect and celebrate the season together.

Live Music to Enchant the Afternoon

Adding to the festive atmosphere, live music will resonate through Berkley Green starting at 1 p.m.. The featured performers are The Midnight Stargazers, a band known for their unique blend of classic country, country folk, cosmic country, and country rock. Their performances have previously graced venues like The Great Hall Bar at Hotel Saranac and have been a part of regional music festivals, promising an enjoyable musical experience for festival-goers. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the music.

A New Chapter for the Saranac Lake Farmers Market

A significant aspect of this year’s High Peaks Harvest Festival is its role as the kickoff event for the Saranac Lake Farmers Market’s winter season. Traditionally held at Riverside Park, the market is transitioning its operations to an indoor location at the Hotel Saranac for the colder months. The farmers market will commence its operations outside Hotel Saranac at 10 a.m. on the day of the festival, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal goods. The High Peaks Farmers’ Market prides itself on being a “producer-only” market in the eastern Adirondacks, ensuring that vendors sell only items they or their employees produce, thereby guaranteeing integrity and quality for consumers. This move signifies a commitment to providing year-round access to local, sustainable products for the community.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

The collaboration between the village, Hotel Saranac, and community development leaders underscores a commitment to fostering local engagement and supporting regional producers. The High Peaks Harvest Festival not only celebrates the bounty of the season but also serves as a vital announcement and community awareness event for the continuation of the farmers market throughout the fall and winter. This news highlights the ongoing efforts to promote local agriculture and artisan crafts, strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of Saranac Lake.