Harvest Festival Returns to Bauer Park
Bauer Park is set to host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family-friendly Festival has celebrated Madison’s agricultural heritage for more than 20 years, according to the organizers.
Ted Rahmann, chairman of the Bauer Park Committee, said the event is going to be an entertaining opportunity to spend the afternoon, and also a way to reflect on the farming and agricultural legacy of the town. The Park’s rich history has also been a vital component of several educational organizations, including the school system, according to Rahmann.
“Two brothers [Erwin and Anthony Bauer] left this property to the town, and a committee was formed by the town to help oversee the Park,” said Rahmann. “And this goes back several years, but we wanted to figure how we could showcase the property for the town, and that’s how we came up with the Harvest Festival.”
The festival is put on in conjunction with the Bauer Park Committee and the Beach and Recreation Department, and according to Rahman, almost every Madison student has visited Bauer Park.
“I think, since its inception, that almost every student in Madison has come through a class down that at Bauer, because we have the environmental gardens there.”
Beach and Recreation Department Director Austin Hall, who works closely with the Park Committee, said the Harvest festival is a great family event
“The Harvest Festival is a wonderful way to enjoy the gem that is Bauer Park. This annual festival provides something for everyone or every age. Just being on the park grounds is enough for a great day, but with the activities and educational events that take place at the festival, it makes for a truly special Madison experience. The Bauer Park Committee puts forth an extraordinary effort each year to present this festival and the results are always well received by all who attend,” Hall said.
According to Rahmann, is an attempt to demonstrate what a real “old-time” harvest festival would have been like.
“I’m not sure recreating is the right word, but we want to show people, especially families, what an old-time harvest festival would’ve been like in the 1920s and the 1930s. The rides and the games and just an old-fashioned get together,” said Rahmann.
This year’s event will include hay and pony rides, children's crafts, apple tasting, pumpkin painting, a hay maze, live music, a food tent, scarecrow making, a cider press, exhibitors, and more.
“There will be all of the usual rides, children’s games, music, and food. We try and get as many different groups and vendors involved as we can, so there will numerous organizations being represented,” said Rahmann.
Rahmann said the committee as well as the Festival are seeking volunteers to assist with the event and also to help the Park grow and preserve its legacy.
“We are always looking for volunteers, for both the Committee and to help with the festival. We would welcome anyone with an interest in volunteering for the Park on any level,” said Rahmann.
Bauer Park is located at the intersection of Copse Road and Hunter’s Trail an is also available for event rentals including weddings and gatherings. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Festival or the Committee or for more information on rentals, contact Austin Hall at the Beach and Recreation Department and he will direct requests, 203-245-5623 or 203-245-5627.