Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals originated in medieval times to celebrate the end of harvest season. After bringing in the year’s crops, entire villages kicked up their heels in what became a tradition passed down through the centuries. Modern harvest festivals maintain an agricultural theme with an abundance of pumpkins and cornstalks, and the festivities now serve as a kickoff to the upcoming Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some Orange County celebrations:
Fullerton
* Arborfest
Hayrides, children’s crafts, horticultural displays, butter-making and apple-pressing demonstrations. The Ugly Bug Fair features Dr. Sue’s Traveling Insect and Arthropod Zoo.
Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today
Admission: $5 adults, free for arboretum members and children 17 and younger
Information: (714) 278-3579
Santa Ana
* Harvest Celebration
Art projects, face painting. South Coast Storytellers Guild members will present fables and folk tales.
Where: Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main St.
When: 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October
Admission: $8 for children 13 and older, $6 students and seniors, $4 ages 5 to 12, free for children younger than 5
Information: Call (714) 480-1520 or access the museum web site at https://www.ocartsnet.org/bowers
Anaheim
* Harvest Festival
The county’s largest fall crafts and food event with more than 300 artisans and specialty food booths. Mimes, marionettes, music, handmade holiday decorations, Christmas gifts.
Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave.
Parking: $7 at convention center. Free parking at Anaheim Stadium with free shuttle service to convention center
When: Noon-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m-6 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $7.50 for adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children 6-12
Information: (714) 765-8950. For directions and entertainment schedule, access the festival web site at https://www.harvestfestival.com
Irvine
* Harvest Celebration
Games, prizes, candy, food, entertainment.
Where: Pacific Church of Irvine, 15 Orangetree Lane
When: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Admission: Free
Information: (949) 552-6774
Lake Forest
* Autumn Harvest Festival
Tour a collection of historic buildings, including the Serrano Adobe, El Toro Grammar School, St. George’s Episcopal Mission and the Bennett Ranch House. Haunted house, carnival games, prizes, storytellers, trick or treating, food vendors. A costume parade will be held at 6 p.m. for children 6 and younger and at 6:45 for children 7-12.
Where: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road
When: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $2 for adults and children older than 12, $1 for children younger than 12
Information: (949) 768-0981 or (949) 855-2028
