Harvesting the bounty of the county

CANYON CITY — The bad news: The Grant County Farmers Market season is almost at an end.

The good news: The season will conclude in grand style with a two-day harvest festival featuring a bounty of vendors, drawings, live music, food and more.

The festival is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15, in the Heritage Barn at the Grant County Fairgrounds in John Day. Hours are 3-8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

Shoppers can look forward to a variety of season-ending vendor products such as honey and honey products, pet items, home décor, candles, jewelry, hand-forged knives, wooden toys, plants and of course, a feast of local produce, including pumpkins and other squash.

Additional activities include live music both days, autumn-themed mini photo sessions, face painting and food concessions. And of course, an apple press will be on hand, so bring your Johnny Appleseed crop and jugs to press into juice or cider. Apples and containers will also be available for purchase.

Games are planned and there will also be a drawing for an eight-burner barbecue grill. All ticket sale proceeds benefit the farmers market.

The popular seasonal event sprouted in 2010 as the John Day Farmers Market, held weekly in downtown John Day. This year, the market underwent location and name changes. It’s now held in Canyon City and called the Grant County Farmers Market, to be more county-inclusive.

The farmers market provides an open-air venue for area growers and crafters to sell their goods, providing access to healthy, locally grown food and handcrafted goods while encouraging community involvement and business activity — all in a relaxed Saturday morning environment.

Weekly market activities typically include demonstrations, art displays, kids’ activities and music.

To learn about current vendors, how to become a vendor for the 2023 market and more, visit grantcountyfarmersmarket.com. Contact the group at grantcofarmersmarket@gmail.com or 541-620-3152.

To reach the Grant County Fairgrounds, turn north at the light in John Day on North Canyon Boulevard and continue about a half mile to the fairgrounds entrance.