How to Make the Most of Beekman 1802’s 10th Annual Harvest Festival

The appreciation of high quality artisan products, neighborly spirit and the agricultural heritage of Upstate New York is going to spill across Sharon Springs for the 10th annual Harvest Festival.

Organizers selected "homecoming" as this year's theme because they want everyone to come home to Upstate New York and see what this beautiful area has to offer. The first Harvest Festival had only a few hundred people, but last year, more than 15,000 people visited the local artisans, ate delicious food, listened to live music, toured the Beekman 1802 farm and more.

Harvest Festival is returning 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14-15 with the Ommegang Beer Garden, local artisans, Goat Yoga, farm tours and Pasta Alla Tavola, a traditional Sicilian farmers' lunch served directly on the table. The festival is free, although there are some ticketed events that have an admission cost.

Here are some tips for making the most of the experience:

1) Explore more than 100 artisans around downtown Sharon Springs. Yes, wear good walking shoes! Not only can you shop at the Mercantile, but mini "villages" of artisans and makers will be set up, so you can meet woodworkers, potters, basket weavers, sculptors and so much more.

2) Remember the shuttle schedule. Neighbors (as Beekman 1802 affectionately calls their customers and friends) are asked not to park in downtown Sharon Springs. Instead, park for free at Sunnycrest Orchards (7869 State Route 10, 1 mile north of Sharon Springs Center) and take the free shuttle, which runs to the village throughout the whole event and to the farm from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

3) Take time to meet Beekman 1802 founders Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge. They'll be greeting guests, signing books and more, twice a day at the gazebo in Chalybeate Park. (If you're not familiar with their story, read more here.)

4) Remember to get tickets for Pasta Alla Tavola and tours of the Beekman 1802 farm. There are two seatings daily for the Pasta Alla Tavola, a special twilight Pasta Alla Tavola on Saturday, and a limited number of farm tours, so get all the details and tickets online here.

Answers to all the FAQ's can be found here.

So, take a few minutes to round up your family, friends and neighbors to make sure you don't miss out on the best parts of this fall celebration! Tell them we sent you!