On Sept. 30, Evanston celebrated the coming of fall with a harvest festival at Eggleston Park. With activities such as pumpkin painting, a scarecrow making contest and live music, the four hour event had lots of families coming out and enjoying the beginning of fall. Most attendees were parents with young children, so the music and other activities were tailored in that regard.

In addition to fall-themed activities, there were many opportunities for participants to get involved with the Evanston community. The festival hosted various city organizations, such as the Evanston Public Library. Other organizations that were present centered around environmental preservation, such as the Evanston Ecology Center, the Talking Farm (an urban agriculture group) and Edible Evanston (an organization that promotes local farming). Tours of Eggleston Park’s gardens and bee apiaries were also available.

The goal of many organizations’ participation in the Harvest Festival was to encourage residents to take action in their own way.

“I think people see the ideas here and go, ‘Oh I could do some of that in my backyard,’” said Linda Kruhmin, co-leader of Edible Evanston.

Although this is the first year that the City of Evanston joined with Eggleston Farm and Edible Evanston for the fest, it is not the first year that it has taken place. The Harvest Festival has been around for the past several years, and has gotten a lot more attention with the City’s involvement.

“Before we used to be begging the city for permission,” said Kruhmin. “Now they’re like, great idea!”

Amanda D’Agostino, Evanston Program Coordinator, expressed her desire for the City to make the Harvest Festival an annual event.

“We’re already talking about what to do next year!” said D’Agostino.