How to Celebrate a Fall Harvest

In times past the annual fall harvest was a time of great celebration. Farmers and their families would gather for dances and other social activities once all the hard work of the year was finished. Even if you don't harvest your own food, it is still fun to celebrate the beautiful fall season.

Instructions

Games

1. Hold a corn husking race. Give each participant 4 ears of corn and see who can husk all 4 first.

2. Play musical hay bales. Swap out the traditional chairs with hay bales in this harvest-themed version of musical chairs.

3. Bob for apples. Have some towels handy for this classic harvest season game.

4. Have a scarecrow making contest. Group guests into pairs or threes and have them each make a scarecrow. The party host can act as judge to decide who's scarecrow is the scariest, prettiest or funniest.

Food

1. Hold a harvest potluck, and ask each guest to bring their favorite autumn dish.

2. Hold a pie walk. Instead of a traditional cakewalk, ask participants to donate their favorite harvest flavored pies. The proceeds of the sale can go to a favorite charity.

3. Organize a jams and preserve swap. Guests bring several jars of their garden jams, jellies, preserves or pickles to swap with one another. Everyone will have a variety of harvest treats in their pantry for the long winter ahead.

4. Have a wine and cheese party with winter fruit such as pears and apples paired with sharp cheddar cheese and pungent blue cheese. Serve crisp, dry winter wines with notes of winter fruit and spices.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up scarecrow clothes at a thrift store. Have twine and hay or dried leaves ready for the stuffing.

Resources

• Harvest Festivals lists festivals around the world.