The first annual Rockport Harvest Festival is rapidly approaching and is drawing enthusiastic support across the region. This family-oriented weekend with an autumn theme is designed to entertain and delight residents and visitors alike.

The Rockport Harvest Festival will run all day Saturday, October 15 and from Noon to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, and will be filled with activities throughout Rockport’s downtown area, encompassing Main Street, Dock Square and all of Bearskin Neck.

Some of the highlights of the Festival are pumpkin decorating, scarecrow creations and harvest displays; hayrides; live music and street entertainment; plus a Sidewalk Sale at participating shops, galleries, and restaurants; artist demonstrations; and wine tasting.

Early and enthusiastic support among local retailers was a key to winning unanimous and unprecedented approval from Rockport town officials for the Sidewalk Sale, and for the associated parking restrictions that will ensure that this is a safe and pedestrian-friendly event. Parking bans will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on both sides of the street, from the intersection of Broadway and Mt. Pleasant Street to the intersection of Main and Beach Streets.

Free parking for the Harvest Festival weekend will be available at all other metered parking spaces in the downtown area, as well as in the Blue Gate Meadow park and ride lot. The Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) will be operating a special Harvest Trolley service for the festival weekend from the park and ride lot to downtown Rockport.

A committee comprised of local shopkeepers and gallery owners has been meeting regularly to plan a wide array of activities and special retail promotions for the Harvest Festival weekend. The committee is anticipating broad participation among local businesses, Rockport schools and civic organizations, and local artists and entertainers as well.

The Festival will also require the assistance of numerous volunteers at various times during the weekend. Anyone wishing to volunteer for or participate in the festival is encouraged to contact the office of the Rockport Chamber of Commerce at 978-546-6575.

All Rockport residents and visitors are encouraged to make plans to spend this very special mid-October weekend in Rockport, and help make the inaugural Rockport Harvest Festival a truly memorable family event.