Saturday and Sunday, Harvest Fest Rocks!

A gray day couldn’t dampen the spirits of Bloomfield residents who came out for HarvestFest this Saturday. With bands rocking the block on the main stage and the scent of barbecue filling the air, it almost seemed like summer had never left.

For almost 20 years Harvest Fest has been one of the biggest events in Bloomfield. Presented by This Is It Productions, the two-day festival features over 100 exhibitors ranging from food vendors, kiddie rides, bands, clubs, organizations and local businesses

Henry Salvador, a member of the Knights of Columbus in Bloomfield, explained what he loves about Bloomfield’s Harvest Fest.

“I’ve been coming to the Harvest Fest for quite a number of years, and the thing I like about it is that it’s family-oriented," he said. "You can see your neighbors that you very seldom get to see. . . It’s a nice get-together for the town, and I hope it continues for a long time in the future."

That family-friendly feel was never more evident than in the vendors and festival-goers who came out to participate.

Retailers and sisters Tye and Kiki Richardson said they felt good about the atmosphere surrounding their first ever Harvest Fest.  They admistted though that the weatehr was a little bit of a concern.

“So far so good. I just hope it doesn’t rain,” laughed Tye.  “Everybody’s been really nice and responsive. It’s been really good.”

Blanca Males, selling her family-made Ecuadorian jewelry, sweaters and clothing was optimistic about festival. “It looks fun and the weather isn’t too bad for walking around,” she said.

First time vendors Mike and Lisa Mora had a fine time presenting their “bottle-cap art” and hand drawings.

“My day job is behind a computer all day. But this is what I love to do,” said Lisa.

As the day continued, cover band “The Barros Band” and punk band, “Two Step with Marlon Brando”, drew a big crowd to Broad Street between Bloomfield and Belleville Avenues.

Neighborhood residents Preety and Pinky Pun said they had walked from their apartment down to the festival.

“It was really fun!" said Preety.  "I came out looking for the zeppolis and I was lucky I found them. It looked like the weather wasn’t going to be very nice but gladly it held out. It was a lot of fun today.”     

Harvest Fest will continue Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, rain or shine.

For more information about the 19th Annual Bloomfield Harvest Fest, including the performance lineup, visit www.bloomfieldharvest.org.

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