Pumpkins of all sizes line our sidewalks, pathways, and store windows, like plump little knights standing guard at the threshold of Autumn, as if to ensure beach days and ninety-degree temperatures stay behind us. Our vineyards are bursting with ripe fruit, the sweet scent of grapes carries throughout Southwest Michigan, and it becomes official: harvest season is here.
The New Buffalo Business Association proudly announces their 16th Annual Harvest & Wine Festival, which takes place this Saturday, October 8th, 2022, on Whittaker Street, toward the lake. From 12 p.m to 9 p.m, the busiest street in NB will come alive with family-friendly activity, where the community, local artisans, and the small businesses that make up our area, are celebrated.
Local business owner and entrepreneur, Colleen Neubauer and her late husband, started Harvest & Wine sixteen years ago, honoring this special time for our region.
“This event kicks off our bountiful season in Southwest Michigan, bringing the finest beverage makers to our little corner of Berrien County,” says NBBA President, Audrey Bock. “Our tourist town is incredibly busy during the Summer months, and our businesses work so hard all summer. This festival celebrates everyone’s efforts, and helps amp up business for the fall.”
The beer + wine tent will have a delicious assortment of local brews by the glass, with wine tastings also available in a one-ounce sample size. Wood, Stock, & Grill offers Volkswagen-smoked BBQ, with an array of sauces that tantalizes your taste buds, and Black Sheep Makery creates homemade seasonal sips (like hibiscus lemonade and lavender mint limeade in the Summer) that will quench even the wildest thirst! Round Belly Pizza out of South Bend serves up piping-hot pizza from their pizza bus, and Taqueria Don Chepe of Niles will be slinging delicious tacos all day.
In the center of the festival, a massive stage will present the entertainment for the day, where four live music acts will swing us into the season: The Osco’s open at Noon, The Sypian Family Band performs at 2:30 p.m, WYSIWYG at 4:30 p.m, with Mr. Blotto headlining from 7 p.m to 9 p.m.
The Kids Activity Area hosts a mass of fun events from 12 p.m to 6 p.m, with activities like pumpkin painting, face painting, a coloring station, bozo buckets, and autumn-themed sensory tables. Last year, over 200 pumpkins were painted, and the New Buffalo Elementary School art teacher helped create colorful masterpieces on the excited faces of children.
Fifteen local artisans and vendors will be set up inside the gated event grounds, selling everything from boutique clothing, jewelry, fresh produce, and leather goods, to soaps and bath bombs, Michigan products, flower bouquets, books, candles, and more. Pedego Electric Bikes Harbor Country will also have a booth, where you can learn about how to rent or purchase an electric bike from America’s #1 electric bike retailer.
The 16th Annual Harvest & Wine Festival takes place this Saturday, October 8th, 2022, costs $10 (donation) at the door, and children 12 and under are free. Adult beverage tickets cost $1 each, and most beverages will run 5 – 9 tickets. For free admission into the festival, the NBBA is still in need of volunteers to take a shift at the gate or beer/wine tent entrance. The two hour shift covers your fee, and you get to have fun with other community members. Find the volunteer form on their website.
With cooler afternoons and the low roar of growing waves from the lake, New Buffalo invites you to welcome Autumn with excitement and camaraderie at Harvest & Wine. See you at Exit 1!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
