Thursday, December 12, 2024
The inaugural Happy Healthy Harvest Fair brought the celebration of the fall season to Hempstead on Nov. 2.
Vendors and activities filled the parking lot of the Hempstead Village Hall, and families from all around the community spent the sunny day shopping outside, playing games and learning how to live healthy.
“I just wanted to celebrate the change in season by giving something back to the community,” Juanita Hargwood, Hempstead Village director of human relations council and community event coordinator, said.
The new fall festival allowed the community to celebrate the abundant fall season, with pumpkins and hay bales all around the area, and people were given pumpkins to take home at the end of the afternoon. Apple cider and sweet potato pies were available for people to enjoy, Hargwood said.
People who own small businesses were able to sell their products, and there was an emphasis on items and information to help people live a healthy lifestyle, including spiritual literature and information from Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
There were also carnival games set up for families to play, and kids lined up to throw balls to knock down clowns and play other games. Face painters and a balloon artist were also there in the fall festival spirit.
