Celebrate the fruits of others' labor and help out a local farmer by filling your basket with local produce at the second annual Dolores HarvestFest on Saturday, Oct 5.
The lively event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flanders Park and will feature 15 to 20 vendors, live music, kids games, a barbecue, free Galloping Goose rides, and socializing.
"We are a very strong county for agriculture so we want to capitalize on that and give another venue for folks to sell their produce," said Stuart Hanold, director of the Dolores Chamber of Commerce.
The Porchlights will play at noon, followed up by the BeesKnees. Hang out with friends, and meet new ones.
The barbecue is being prepared by the Dolores Schools Booster club and Our Lady of Victory, a Dolores church. Proceeds from the barbecue will go to help needy families. Vendors can set up for free and take home all their profits.
"There will be really good food," said organizer Ruby Gonzales. "Burgers, brats, hot dogs, bowls of chili, candied apples, homemade pies, baked goods. Come on down and spend the day."
Hanold said the chamber board decided on an agricultural-based event for the fall to replace the Hunter's Expo.
"Hunters get all their information online these days so there is not much need for an expo anymore," he said.
While the ubiquitous "Welcome Hunters" signs have appeared in time for camo-clad Texans in other towns, Dolores is shooting for the high road, offering blaze orange 'Hunter's Heaven' signs for businesses to display.
"We've got a few up," said Hanold, who is also a pastor at Cortez Family Worship Center in Cortez. The 3-foot by 5-foot banners cost $60, and can be ordered at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce headquarters, 201 Railroad Ave.
HarvestFest coincides with Dolores High School homecoming. The football game against Center gets underway at 7 p.m.
"The football game is Friday night, come and enjoy music and food on Saturday in the park, then the kids can go to the dance," Hanold said. "We wanted to give local vendors a boost and try to extend the shoulder season. After October and the leaves fall, it really dies down here."
