Headland Harvest Festival Embraces Nostalgia For Annual Celebration

Every fall the population of Headland more than doubles when area gathers for the annual Harvest Festival, a tradition that dates back more than 50 years.

Created in the 1970s, Harvest Festival is meant to celebrate the success of the community's farmers and the harvest.

"Agriculture is the backbone of Headland's culture and economy and what better way to celebrate than throwing a party," Adrienne Wilkins, Headland Chamber of Commerce Executive director, said. "What started as a one day event affectionately known as Harvest Day has grown into a full weekend celebration that incorporates five events."

This year's celebration kicks off October 11 with the Street Dance.

"In the early days of 'Harvest Day' the festivities would start pretty much from sunrise until late into the night," Wilkins said. "The street dance would end the celebration. It stopped for a while, but it was always a fan favorite. The chamber decided to bring it back a few years ago and we wanted to kick off the weekend instead of closing it out."

Thousands of guest come to the kickoff celebration and dance the night away. It is a free concert and the band K-Jams will perform from 7 to 10 on the square in downtown Headland.

The next morning Harvest Day begins in earnest. Centered in the downtown square, Harvest Day has more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, rides, and the best of what downtown has to offer.

As vendors and the community get ready for the day, the Harvest Run 5k winds through the streets of Headland.

In addition to the vendors and local entertainment, Harvest Day also celebrates its agricultural roots with a tractor show, car show and Miss harvest Festival Pageant.

Harvest Festival will have entertainment throughout the day and will conclude with Country Music Recording Artist, Shane Owens.

"Harvest Festival is the epitome of what makes Headland special," Wilkins said. "For first time visitors to our town, it is a great way to see what Headland has to offer."

For more information about Harvest Festival, visit www.headlandal.org