Hawthorne Valley Harvest Festival Returns October 13
The annual harvest festival celebrates 100 years of biodynamics with a day of community activities
In a series of lectures given in 1924, Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner outlined his ideas for an interconnected system for farming and working with nature in which the vitality of soil, plants, and animals could be renewed from within. His philosophy was quickly adopted by farmers under the name biodynamics, a system of agricultural principles in use across the world today. On Sunday, October 13, Hawthorne Valley in Ghent will celebrate 100 years of biodynamic agriculture at its annual Harvest Festival, a beloved Columbia County tradition since 1997. From 11am to 3pm, the festival will honor the autumn harvest and the community with activities that range from farm tours to farm-fresh eats, hayrides, a puppet show, and the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School open house.
Hawthorne Valley Farm, founded in 1972 to connect schoolchildren from New York City with the land, was one of the first Certified Biodynamic farms in the country. “Biodynamics seeks to balance the land, plants, and animals while fostering community and cultural engagement in agriculture,” says Spencer Fenniman, Hawthorne Valley’s Director of Farm Operations. “We are excited to welcome everyone to explore the farm and discover how our work nurtures the well-being of people, animals, and plants, and the essential connections that unite us all.”
Festivalgoers can dive into the rich legacy and vibrant contemporary impact of biodynamics by participating in a community art project inspired by the elements of a biodynamic farm, take a guided tour of the farm at 1pm, and enjoy a scenic hayride. Meet some of the farmers at their booth to learn more about biodynamics, the Real Organic Project (a grassroots effort to create a food label that distinguishes soil-grown and pasture-raised food), and Hawthorne Valley Farm’s own community supported agriculture (CSA) program.
Hawthorne Valley’s Farmscape Ecology Program will also offer interactive displays of local insects and soil life, along with insights into Columbia County’s ancient forests. Their new Field Guide on the habitats of Columbia County will be available for purchase.
Families can enjoy performances of “The King of Togo Togo” puppet show by the Magical Puppet Tree at 11am and 1pm, birds of prey demonstrations, cider pressing, and craft activities throughout the day. A curated lineup of artisan vendors will also offer local and handmade items for sale. Live musical performances from professional musicians and Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School students complete the festive ambiance. The school’s open house, also held during the event, offers those interested in learning more about the Waldorf style of education (which grew from Steiner’s philosophies on education) an inside look.
There will also be plenty of great eats offered at the festival, including sausage and pepper rolls made with farm-raised ingredients at the Hawthorne Valley Farm booth, as well as a variety of food vendors including Yeah Dawg Vegan, Von Pogz Waffles, Alima’s African Cuisine, and Hawthorne Valley Farm Store. The annual pie baking contest also makes its return this year, with categories for adults, teens, and children. (Visit the website for entry details.)
Hawthorne Valley’s Harvest Festival 2024 takes place free to the public on Sunday, October 13 from 11am to 3pm. For more information, visit Hawthornevalley.org.
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