Fall festivities in York move to the beach

Harvestfest in York is a two-day affair that includes live entertainment, marketplace vendors, juried crafters, a Go Green Business Expo and many other activities for all ages.

But as the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce website explains, "It's all about the cow." The ox roast draws the largest crowd.

The ox roast dates back 26 years, when it started as part of the chamber's end-of-the-year celebration. It has grown over the years into a larger community event, but the custom barbecue pit and big iron racks continue to be fired up by the Foster family and Stage Neck Inn staff members to roast the meat for the event's signature sandwiches.

Stephanie Oeser, project coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, offered an insider tip about the ox roast -- get there early. "They usually sell out in about an hour."

But rest assured there will be plenty of food offered by vendors, with everything from lobster rolls, chowder and burgers to fried dough, kettle corn and hot apple crisp, to keep every taste bud satisfied.
The festival planners made a few changes this year to ensure two days of fun at their new location -- Short Sands Beach.

"We had to make the change of location (from the village to the beach) because of safety issues." Oeser explains. "The great thing about moving is the free public parking in the York's Wild Kingdom lot. People can walk to the beach from there or take the shuttle. This change offers easier access for the public and is totally pedestrian-friendly, because several streets around the beach will be closed (to cars)."
Events at the beach include the Don Campbell Band on Saturday and a Pow Wow featuring drummers, dancers and crafters on Sunday.

Harvestfest also incorporates Kidfest into its weekend events this year, so face painting, balloon twisters and wagon rides as well as tae kwon do, dance, jump rope and hula hoop demonstrations are all part of the fun.
The kid-friendly entertainment of Marcus Gale and Dr. Gasp's Halloween Haunts and Taunts are sure to be crowd pleasers on Saturday.

"Dr. Gasp (Dan Blakeslee) tells Halloween-theme stories that are scary but not too scary for the kids. It's just the right mix," Oeser says.

Pumpkin carving at the Daily Grind Cafe on Saturday afternoon will culminate with lighting of the gourds and the annual Pumpkin Stroll on the beach.

In addition to the Pow Wow Sunday, the a cappella group Tuckermans at 9 and storyteller Shawn Middle- ton will perform. Sunday also will feature pony rides for kids.

"There are some changes this year, but the Harvestfest traditions are alive and better than ever," says Oeser. "It's always a great community event."

HARVESTFEST & KIDFEST
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday Oct. 16-17
WHERE: Short Sands Beach, York
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: Varied food vendors
PARKING: York's Wild Kingdom on Route 1. Shuttle service will be available.
DON'T MISS: Ox roast at 11 a.m. Saturday at home plate in the York Beach Ball Field
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
BENEFITS: Hospice of York, York Community Food Pantry and local Rotary club
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine
MORE INFO: www.gatewaytomaine. org

 Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram, October 10, 2010