County Harvest Fest Returns on Sept. 30

There will be no shortage of things to do at Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside at the Union County Harvest Festival on Sept. 30.

Displays, demonstrations and activities, including music and entertainment, children’s toys and games, Native American cooking and Early American crafts will be open to the public. The popular “Build a Scarecrow” contest will also return (with a nominal fee for participation).

The 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival will run rain or shine from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“The 31st annual Union County Harvest Festival promises to be a fascinating, fun-filled event for visitors of all ages,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella in a press release. “Walking through the festival grounds in the picturesque Watchung Reservation will give everyone a chance to see early American culture and history come to life.”

Entertainment will be provided by:

• the Family Traditions country-rock band;
• the Danny Weiss Trio playing Bluegrass, Americana and Swing music;
• the Rahway Valley Jerseyaires barbershop singers; and
• the Native American singers and dancers of the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe.  

The festival will include Early American artifact displays, storytelling and performances; colonial and Native American crafts and work skills, including a potter, a canoe builder, a flintknapper, a paper maker, a loom weaver, and a fur trader; a petting zoo; pony rides; the New Jersey Frontier Guard re-enactment group demonstrating the loading and firing of muskets; and so much more.

Vendors will be on site selling a variety of food and beverages.

Admission is $4 per person, with children ages seven and younger admitted free of charge. Trailside Nature & Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road (at Coles Avenue) in Mountainside. Additional information can be obtained by calling 908-789-3670 or by visiting the Union County website at www.ucnj.org.