By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Hosting cloudy skies and a cool 68 degrees, Needhamites gathered at Greene’s Field for the annual Needham Harvest Fair. This event is presented by the Town of Needham and the Charles River Regional Chamber (CRRC), in conjunction with the Needham Farmers Market.
Greene’s Field was packed with family and friends looking to enjoy all this Harvest Fair had to offer. With well over 100 plus vendors, there was a little something for everyone. As an added bonus, almost all of the vendors were businesses located in Needham. This aspect created an amazing community event that celebrated both the organizations who participated as well as the fall season coming up.
If you arrived there early enough, you might have been lucky enough to score a free pumpkin from Condon Realty’s Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch. Hundreds of pumpkins were stacked together as the children got to choose their favorite out of the bunch.
Whether you scored a free pumpkin or not, there was an unlimited amount of free goodies being given out by all the vendors. Many booths also had interactive activities like corn hole, arts and crafts, balloon artists, a stretch tent, a bounce house, face painting, martial arts, and so much more.
Among the most popular attractions was Rocket the Dog. This Needham community resource dog was seen with the Needham Police and Fire Departments at their booth. Little ones and their families flocked to go and pet Rocket, who was more than happy to receive all the belly rubs he could get.
Over at the CRRC booth, Representative Catherine explained just how much she loves community events like these. “We as the Chamber organize this event,” she detailed, “in partnership with the town. We have just about 120 exhibitors here today and they represent community organizations, children’s groups, local businesses, really everything under the sun. It’s just really a fun thing for community members to come to and see what the town of Needham has to offer.”
CRRC Member Outreach Associate Tracey Antaya was also in attendance at this fair, greeting people at their booth and handing out cards. When talking with her about this event, she beamed, “It is such a great community experience that brings so many different businesses, nonprofits and town services together in one spot. Touch-A-Truck is always a huge hit with the kids. Overall it is a wonderful way to celebrate our town and we really hope everyone enjoys it.”
It was easy to see not only how much community members loved this event, but also all the vendors as well. One vendor, Amy Lucas from One Wingate Way East, has had a booth at this event for over ten years now. “This Harvest Fair is such a great way for vendors like us,” Lucas stated, “to get involved with our amazing town. We are thrilled to be a part of the greater Needham community and this is such a wonderful event to showcase everything it has to offer people. I have been coming to this for so long and each year it just seems to get better and better!”
Overall, this Harvest Fair was another major success for the town of Needham. The weather could not have been more perfect and Needhamites truly enjoyed the time they spent there. Here’s to the same great turnout next year.
