By Jax Johnson
Hosted by the Center for Sustainability, Houghton University’s annual Harvestival returns today, from 3-5pm on the quad, bringing craft vendors, live music, pumpkin carving, and more.
Director of the Center for Sustainability, Brian Webb, says, “The main goal of the Harvestival is to connect students and our community to local vendors. It’s also a great opportunity for students to learn about the Center for Sustainability. We offer free cider donuts to anyone who makes a sustainability pledge (any commitment to put creation care into practice in their daily lives). Finally, this is the most beautiful time of year at Houghton, so we might as well get outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s paintbrush on the trees around us!”
Along with Webb, the event will be run by Anna Zimmerman, a senior, who is one of the Center for Sustainability interns. Houghton MANRRS will also be partnering with the Center for Sustainability to run the pumpkin carving table.
The Harvestival vendors will consist of both Houghton students, the wider Houghton community, and members of nearby towns. Also in attendance, local businesses such as Jockey Street Coffee and Coppa Co will be selling coffee and art.
Senior Emma Wetherell,who will be selling her art at the Harvestival, says, “I have always loved art and making homemade gifts, but recently I have started making jewelry. I have found a real love for it and wanted to show others what I have created. I hope that it can inspire others to turn their hobbies into something they can share with the community. This is the first time I will be selling something I have created and I am very excited for what’s to come.”
Sophomore Aubrey Armes says, “ I am so excited to be selling at this years harvestival! The harvestival is such a great opportunity for the community to gather and support one another, to appreciate the work of artists within the community, and to celebrate fall! I hope that what I’m selling will bring joy to the people that decide to purchase it from me, or to who they decide to give it to. I’m thrilled to be involved!”
Another vendor, senior Abby Weeks, shares her excitement by saying, “I am a senior biochemistry major with an art minor and this is my first year as a vendor for Harvestival. This year I will be selling my ceramic mugs, cups, and bowls, as well as some jewelry. I am so excited for Harvestival, and I can’t wait to see what my peers have made for the event!”
Aubree Niles, a junior and returning vendor says, “This will be my second year setting up for Harvestival, and I am so excited! As an art major, it’s such a great opportunity to showcase my work and also build experience. I will have original paintings, prints, stickers, and jewelry for sale. Connecting with community members, faculty and staff, and other students is another reason why I love Harvestival. I hope to see you there, you won’t want to miss it!”
The music performers of this year’s Harvestival expressed excitement for the event, with many of them having performed at Harvestivals in years past.
Senior Linette Taylor says, “In general, I take any opportunity that lets me make some music outside. I love playing at Harvestival because I’m surrounded by other creatives and I get the chance to enjoy a lot of new art and music.”
Another performer, junior Josey Ikker, shares joy for Harvestival by saying, “Sharing different covers of my favorite music, especially when they’re more relatable songs allows me to share stories from experience with others. Harvestival is an incredible stress-free time to spend with friends as well as with the community as a whole.”
The Harvestival is an opportunity to experience the fall season here at Houghton, while also taking a minute to explore sustainability. It is also a chance to support local creatives and their work. If you’re interested, stop by the quad this afternoon. ★
