Newton Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Harvest Fair

A two-day event held in Newton center, the Newton Harvest Fair pulls the community together every year to celebrate with music, art and food.

Every year, organizers try to top the previous year.

So what’s new at this year’s fair, which is the 40th anniversary?

The performance art, say organizers.

Newton School teachers set the tempo with their band Loose Change while local artist Franklin Marval transforms a huge blank canvas into a work of art before your eyes, all set to the live music of Jane’s Great Dane – Americana, Country and R & B music with a Cajun kick. Marval last dazzled audiences with his artistic impressions on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, according to the release.

You know Marval’s art even if you don’t realize it: he’s beautified Newton with historic images on the street’s electrical boxes.

And there’s a guy on stilts walking around the Harvest Fair, too, as well as a statue (or not) that moves.

Representing Newton’s young musical talent is be Jared and the Giants, a fabulous middle school band you won’t want to miss, not to mention dance performances, the YCCA Rock Band and a performance by the amazing students of the Suzuki School of Newton.

Organizers promise that the faves are coming back, too. Free pumpkin decorating is sponsored by Wegman’s. The corn stalk-decorated Newton Center is sponsored by Whole Foods Market. There’s also amusement rides, 100 different craft and business booths selling everything from gifts to jewelry.

The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce puts on the Green Expo, with exhibitors “offering solutions for reducing your carbon footprint. “

And as always, great food is available, too.

The Harvest Fair takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. will be the craft show, Expo and all of the entertainment. Visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org for more information.