Celebrating Community and Sustainability at The Lake Superior Harvest Festival

Welcome to Harvest Festival!
Credit: Kieley Jacobson

The Lake Superior Harvest Festival returned for its 32nd annual year at Bayfront Park on Saturday, September 12. The event, put on by the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association aims to uphold the community, farming and sustainability. 

Long lines could be seen stretching in front of booths at the farmers market, featuring many vendors from the Duluth-Superior area. Popular items included fresh sourdough, homemade pickles in various flavors and crisp apples just in time for fall. 

A peek at some fresh produce being sold at the farmers market.
Credit: Kieley Jacobson

Live music was presented all day bringing a bright ambiance to the festival. The event was also highlighted with many food trucks and vendors and an arts and crafts section giving visitors many things to do, supporting local businesses in the process.

One of the more striking aspects of the festival was its sustainability aspect. It was touted as a zero waste event, which was evident upon walking around the festival for a moment. Each vendor was required to use compostable and recyclable materials, minimizing landfill waste. 

Goals set for the waste stations.
Credit: Kieley Jacobson

Additionally, only four waste stations were available throughout the park, each assigned a volunteer from the Duluth Superior Eco Rotary Club, an organization dedicated to helping preserve the Duluth-Superior environment. These volunteers assured waste was going into the right container so it could be properly composted or recycled as needed.

A section of the park was dedicated to sustainable energy opportunities and electric vehicles. The DTA showcased one of two of their electric buses that were just put in commission last April and have already saved 4,000 gallons of diesel. The next test is to see how these buses handle the icy hills in the winter. 

The Harvest Festival helps serve as a kick off for fall in the Duluth area and this year did not disappoint. Happy harvest and happy fall!