GREENFIELD — Greenfield is gearing up for its beloved annual Harvest Festival, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19, with a series of exciting updates that promise an even more vibrant celebration this year.
A key highlight of this year’s festivities is the move of the traditional parade to the Saturday evening before the main event. The Harvest Festival Kick-Off Parade will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m., starting at Mary Chapa Elementary School on Walnut Avenue and El Camino Real and concluding at the Greenfield Community Science Workshop on Maple Avenue.
Parade organizers hope this shift will encourage more community participation.
“The parade was moved to the Saturday evening before the Sunday festivities in order to bring more of the community out for the celebration to better highlight the civic and cultural traditions of the region,” organizers said.
This year’s parade is organized by the Greenfield High School 246th Battalion of the California Cadet Corps, in collaboration with the City of Greenfield. Residents are encouraged to come out along El Camino Real to cheer on local clubs, teams and organizations as they parade down the street.
Those interested in participating with a float can register at thefightingbruins.com or visit City Hall for registration forms. Float submissions are accepted on the day of the parade at the staging area, with a deadline of 5:30 p.m.
The Harvest Festival itself will be held Sunday at a new location along El Camino Real, between Maple and Tyler avenues. This change aims to enhance the experience with more space for vendors, activities and entertainment, organizers said.
The festival kicks off at 12 p.m. and features a variety of attractions, including live music, a car show showcasing both classic and modern vehicles, diverse food vendors, kid-friendly entertainment and more. Presented by the City of Greenfield and Alegria Musical, the event concludes at 6:30 p.m.
The festival and parade are community-driven events designed to celebrate Greenfield’s rich traditions, dating back to the Broccoli Festival of the 1980s and ’90s. Residents, visitors and families are encouraged to mark their calendars and spread the word about the festival’s new location and schedule.
For those interested in participating or seeking more information, contact Ericka Radcliff at Greenfield High School (831-674-2751) or Fabiola Lopez at Greenfield City Hall (831-674-5591).
