The Norman Bird Sanctuary has much to celebrate in 2024, including the 75th anniversary of the organization’s founding and the 50th anniversary of its beloved Harvest Fair on October 5 and 6.
Norman Bird Sanctuary’s Harvest Fair is a family-friendly weekend full of traditional New England games, crafts, competitions, and seasonal fare. Attracting more than 10,000 attendees to the 300-acre wildlife refuge, Harvest Fair has become one of the quintessential ways to ring in the fall season in Rhode Island.
“There is a reason that Harvest Fair has been a community tradition for 50 years,” shared Norman Bird Sanctuary Executive Director Kaity Ryan in a statement. “It represents so much of what people enjoy most about fall in New England: being outdoors, coming together with friends and family, and enjoying some good old-fashioned fun!”
Harvest Fair will include returning classic attractions like the mud pit, field games, and “Mabel’s Express” train ride, along with some special 50th Anniversary surprises this year.
Along with dozens of local food vendors and crafters, the live music and beer tent will feature a limited-edition Ragged Island Brewing Co. Norman Bird Sanctuary “Hanging Rock IPA.”
Through August 31, Harvest Fair tickets can be purchased at an “early bird” discounted rate. Using the promotional code HarvestFair50 at check-out will give buyers a discount on each ticket! Tickets can be purchased via the Norman Bird Sanctuary website.
50 Years of Harvest Fair Photo Exhibition
In celebration of Harvest Fair’s golden anniversary, the Norman Bird Sanctuary will unveil a special exhibition featuring curated photographs from Salvatore Lopes’ Harvest Fair photo collection dating back to 1976 and 1977. The 50 Years of Harvest Fair exhibit will be open from September 19 through December 2024, during which all pieces will be available for sale. This exhibition is made possible partly by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Getting Involved with Harvest Fair
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is currently looking for additional volunteers to join in the fun and help support the Harvest Fair. Whether running children’s games, overseeing the mud pit, or even helping to dress Scarecrows, there are many fun ways to give back and support this community event. Volunteers receive free entry to the fair, a tee shirt, and a $5 game ticket. For those interested in volunteering at the 2024 Harvest Fair, the Norman Bird Sanctuary would like you to fill out the volunteer application.
Each year, over 40 Craft and Food Vendors join the Harvest Fair, supplying visitors a diverse array of food and craft items. Interested vendors are encouraged to apply and reserve their spots via the Norman Bird Sanctuary website. All applications are due by September 5, 2024.
About the Norman Bird Sanctuary
For 75 years, the Norman Bird Sanctuary has served as a wildlife refuge and environmental education center. The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers seven miles of hiking trails, hundreds of educational programs and events, and 300 acres of scenic landscape for all to explore and enjoy. To learn more, join as a member, volunteer, or register for programs, visit www.NormanBirdSanctuary.org. The Norman Bird Sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.