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Hood River Harvest Festival
Every year the fruit of Hood River Valley must be harvested. And this is the inspiration behind the Hood River Fall Festival. The Harvest Festival event starts the third week in October when the leaves begin to change color. Growers and local retailers get together to sell there fruit in different locations throughout Hood River, Odell and Parkdale.
The main event takes place downtown in the Port area of Hood River along the Columbia River. Big tents are erected to house arts and crafts while a few fruit growers are located outside the tent areas. There is always live music as well as beer and wine. Food vendors are also out to meet the needs of the hungry. Elephant ears, corn-on-the-cob, caramel apples and even kettle corn can be had for desert. The second largest event is at the Fairgrounds in Odell. Again local growers sell there fruit along with flower bulbs, crafts, photographs and other various crafts.
There are several participants to the harvest festival. Wineries along the Fruit Loop ( a 45- mile driving tour)also collaborate with local growers to showcase a variety of fruit and wine. This is a wonderful way to spend the day taking in the scenic Hood River Valley.
Odell Oregon garden group, orchards throughout the valley and the Apple Valley Country Store all participate in the Festival.
Rasmussen farm has a pumpkin field, corn maze and fruit stand for the family to enjoy. Remember to grab a caramel apple for the drive home.
This event draws one of the largest crowds of the year, so if you decide to stay the night make sure to book a reservation in one of the many lodging options Hood River has to offer. Consider making dinner reservations too as it can be busy around the dinner hour.