Time for Harvest & Fall Festivals in New York City

Photo: mommypoppins.com

The summer officially transitioned into fall, September 22nd, 2010, the autumnal equinox. But don't go running to get your flannels on. It's still flip-flopping, bermuda-shorts time in NYC. At 84 degrees those precious A/C's are still cranking on high and not ready to go into anyone's closet, basement or garage until Summer 2011.

Many NY'ers are tired of Mother Nature dishing out hot plates and ready for something a bit more cool but she controls the elements of the weather kitchen, so there's nothing one can do but get out and have some fun! Before you know it autumnal equinox will pass the baton to winter solstice and we will all be seeking the comfort of Swiss Miss as we await the coming of spring.

In our city's once upon a time there were farms and farm gardens galore. Even children got into the action through our public schools as result of the efforts of Frances (Fannie) Griscom Parsons (1850-1923), the city's first female park administrator.

1908 Parks Annual Report: Children tending De Witt Clinton Park Farm Garden.

While there are only a few farms left in NYC dating back to the late 1600's, such as The Queens County Farm Museum, Wycoff Farm, Red Hook Farm, NY'ers are proof that the bond between man and nature is strong and cannot be broken by skyscrapers and concrete. Over the last decade the farm and farming gardening momentum has gone from a horse trot to ING Marathon speed. Once abandoned lots and even warehouse rooftops are serving now as beds for oases sprouting everything from fancy organic greens to grapes.




With all the farm and farm gardening going on surely there must be some fun after the hard work of harvest. Those toiling and not have a great selection of activities to enjoy in the coming weeks; Fall Festivals, Beer Fests, October Fests, Street Fairs and more.

Still need some help getting into a Fall, Harvest state of mind? Maybe Neil can help.
 

Fall Festivals (most start and end from about 11AM-6PM)

Saturday September 25th
Broadway Autumn Fair (on Broadway from Waverly Pl.- 14^th Street)

Sunday September 26^th
Lexington Avenue Fall Festival (on Lexington Avenue from 34^th - 42^nd Street)

Friday October 1st
Grand Central Fall Festival (on 43rd St. from Lexington - 3rd Avenue)


Saturday October 2nd
Union Square Autumn Fair (on Broadway from 17th - 23rd Street

Sunday October 3rd
N.Y.C. Oktoberfest (on Lexington Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)

Sunday October 10^th
Eighth Avenue Autumn Festival (on 8th Avenue from 42nd - 57th Street)

Saturday October 23rd
Union Square Fall Fair (on Park Avenue South from 17^th - 23rd St.)

Sunday October 24th
Times Square Autumn Carnival (on Broadway from 47^th - 57th Street)

NY CRAFT BEER WEEK  September 24th to October 3rd

September 29th- 7PM-10PM  
The Ultimate Brewmaster's Degustation
at Mas FarmHouse 39 Downing Street

September 30th- 6PM-11PM 
Brewers's Choice

October 2nd
9AM-8PM 
Ale Street News Disc Golf Outing & Beer Fest

4:30PM 
Brooklyn Brewery's Voyage of the IPA

October 3rd- 3PM 
Brewer's Bash at Eleven Madison Park

Links of Interests

Looking for places to go and things to do with your kids in New York City check out Mommy Poppins http://mommypoppins.com/

For Street Fairs in NYC check out Mardi Gras Festival Productions http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/sched.html

The Rise and Fall of  School Gardens in New York's Past Can Guide Us Into the Future by Daniel Bowman Simon http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-bowman-simon/the-rise-and-fall-of-scho_b_689486.html