The Norman Bird Sanctuary’s annual Harvest Fair will return Oct. 4-5 with an expanded focus on sustainability, thanks to lead sponsor 11th Hour Racing’s continued partnership.
The two-day event, which has drawn thousands of visitors to Aquidneck Island for more than 50 years, will feature traditional autumn activities alongside new environmental initiatives designed to promote conservation practices.
“There is no better example of how vibrant our community is than Harvest Fair,” said Kaity Ryan, the sanctuary’s executive director. “The fair brings together thousands of local families to make memories and connect with our mission — this is a fantastic opportunity for us to share sustainability practices.”
This year marks the fourth year of partnership between the Middletown-based wildlife refuge and 11th Hour Racing, the ocean health advocacy organization. The collaboration has resulted in what organizers describe as a “bigger, brighter, and greener” event.
Fairgoers can expect several eco-friendly additions, including water filling stations to eliminate plastic beverage containers, zero-waste demonstrations, reduced food and vendor waste, and expanded composting efforts.
The event will also feature the LivingGallery, an interactive art installation curated by 11th Hour Racing that explores connections between land and sea through immersive storytelling.
“We’re excited to bring the LivingGallery to the Harvest Fair as a way to show how the health of our land directly impacts the health of the ocean,” said Daniela Burton, sponsorship manager at 11th Hour Racing. “This audience cares deeply about the environment, and the Harvest Fair offers a great opportunity to show how our everyday choices can contribute to the long-term health of the planet.”
Traditional fair activities will include live music, hayrides, craft and food vendors, mud pit battles, and greased pole climbing competitions.
Tickets are available on the Norman Bird Sanctuary website. The sanctuary is seeking hundreds of volunteers for the event, who receive free admission, a T-shirt and a $5 game ticket. Volunteer applications are available online.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary, located at 583 Third Beach Road, has served as a wildlife refuge and environmental education center for more than 75 years. The facility’s 300 acres and seven miles of hiking trails are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
