For the seventy-third consecutive year, the streets of Whiskey Pines will transform into a celebration of autumn, community, and the eternal human need to argue about whose pie is better. The Annual Harvest Festival returns, and if you're new in town, buckle up. It's a lot.
The festival committee, led by the unstoppable force of nature known as Margaret Chen, has been meeting weekly since June. June. The woman started planning fall decorations while the rest of us were still putting on sunscreen. Her clipboard has its own clipboard. Her spreadsheets have feelings. We are all slightly afraid of her, and that's how she likes it.
"We're honoring the past while celebrating the present," Margaret explained, in a tone that suggested disagreement was not an option. "Also, if the Hendersons think their scarecrow is going to beat mine this year, they have another thing coming. I've been taking welding classes."
This year's attractions include the traditional pie-eating contest (open to all ages, abilities, and appetites), the increasingly aggressive scarecrow competition (see above re: welding), and a brand new historical walking tour of downtown's most storied establishments. The tour will include stories about the Prohibition era, which means it will include stories about crime, which means attendance is expected to be high.
Live music on the town green will feature local favorites The Pine Needles, who have reunited for what they're calling "absolutely the last time, we mean it this time, stop asking." Rumors of a surprise guest have been circulating, but Margaret won't confirm or deny, because Margaret understands the power of suspense.
Everyone is welcome. Bring your appetite. Bring your competitive spirit. Bring your folding chair, because seating fills up fast and the ground is cold. Volunteers are still needed for the apple cider station, the corn maze emergency response team (yes, people get lost every year, yes, it's the same people), and general "standing near Margaret looking helpful" duties.
See you there. Wear layers. Don't bet against Margaret's scarecrow.