Alpine Securities USVI is helping to bring back the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch at Magens Bay by matching community donations on the first $7,500 raised on https://chuffed.org/project/harvestfestival4vijustice2.
The 2nd Annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch will take place at Magens Bay on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event benefits the Virgin Islands Justice Initiative’s Fiscal Sponsorship at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
Last year, over 500 people road the first-ever tractor hayride at Magens Bay through the Coconut Grove. During the month of August event organizers will donate back one Tractor Hayride ticket for every $10 donated through the VI Justice Initiative’s crowdfunding campaign. These Tractor Hayride tickets will be given away to at-risk youth, the youth performers, and seniors so that they can bring their grandchildren to enjoy the festival.
The Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch is known for weaving traditional agricultural elements and new fall activities for families with children. This year’s event will include new elements to make the experience even more enjoyable for families. You will be able to start at the welcome table and ticket booth at Shed 4 to purchase tickets for the Tractor Hayride, face painting, and pumpkins in the famous Pumpkin Patch! The Tractor Hayride route will also begin at Shed 4, providing a shaded space while you wait your turn to hop on. Children 10 and under must be accompanied on the Tractor Hayride by an adult.
Watch a video of last year’s Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUgEwZcx3CM
“Since its inception last year, the VI Justice Initiative has done tremendous work in the community. Alpine is dedicated to supporting organizations and initiatives that match our philanthropic values, and have positive and sustainable impact on the Virgin Islands community. We look forward to another amazing Pumpkin Patch event, and to the life changing work being done by the VIJI,” said Vernon Araujo, Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations at Alpine Securities USVI.
Here’s a rundown of the attractions that you can look forward to at the 2 nd Annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch:
Pumpkin Patch
It goes without saying that our pumpkin patch is very popular. Last year we sold out of pumpkins in less than 2 hours! This year we have tripled the number of pumpkins for our patch. Depending on the size of the pumpkins that we receive in our shipment, pumpkins will cost between $15- $20 and this includes your choice of pumpkin carving or pumpkin painting in the Kids’ Zone.
Tractor Hayride
Our Tractor Hayride may have been a first for the Virgin Islands. It went around Coconut Grove filled with adults and youngsters enjoying Magens Bay as they have never experienced it before! We are working with Magens Bay Authority to extend our route through the Arboretum, but bear with us as we await final confirmation. If we get approval to extend our route this year, tickets for the Tractor Hayride will cost $10. Each child age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Help us donate back Tractor Hayride tickets to at-risk youth and our youth performers by donating here: https://chuffed.org/project/harvestfestival4vijustice2
Kids’ Zone
Our Kids’ Zone will keep your little one entertained for hours with pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving, face painting, hula hoops, potato sack races, bubbles, and new hands-on molding clay exhibit run by the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum.
Farmers Market
Enjoy our Farmers Market with local fruits, vegetables, fresh eggs, and honey for sale by local farmers.
Main Stage
Last year we enjoyed youth performers, including the Eccentric Moko Jumbies, St. Thomas Majoriettes, Shen Dragon Karate Dojo, and MLB School of Dance. This year we are inviting back our youth performers and including traditional folk dance, and school dance and music groups to perform intermittently throughout the event. We also have DJ Dell volunteering his time once again to provide a fun family friendly vibe.
Farm Equipment
For the first time this year we received approval to bring small farming equipment to introduce children to the type of equipment used in local agriculture. We hope to introduce young people to the history of agriculture in the Virgin Islands. Safety is a top priority and families will be able to take pictures, however, no climbing will be allowed.
Local Pumpkin Competition
We are bringing back our “Best Fall Recipe” competition for the best dish, dessert, or beverage made with local pumpkin. Barefoot Buddha won the trophy and gift card last year with its Toasted Coconut Pumpkin Fritters. Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch -Local Pumpkin Competition 2023
Vendors
Our 2022 event featured 25 food, retail, and nonprofit vendors. This year’s event will once again provide space for vendors with priority for “youth vendors” ages 20 and younger. Our food vendors are required to present a valid health card. Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch - Vendor Application 2023
Volunteer!
Join our awesome volunteer team and help make this event a success. Sign Up to Volunteer Now!