Fall is a time of mixed emotions. I am mournful to see summer and all its hopes held for beach days, epic hikes, after-work picnics and impromptu road trips that never quite materialized melt with the sunset into the equinox’s looming southbound trajectory. Yet I simultaneously succumb to living my best hygge life indoors, socks in my Birkenstocks, spiced candles burning, football on the television and savory scents of a stew bubbling on the stovetop.

After all, every end leaves in its wake the potential for a new beginning. And beginnings are always cause for celebration—whether it’s a new baby, nuptials, raising a barn or reaping the hard-earned spoils of working and re-working the land.

The Grey Bears Harvest Festival, celebrating its 51^st year, was originally a marrying up of a different sort: Santa Cruz County residents with more locally grown produce than they could consume galvanized around the idea of providing the bounty to seniors in need. Fast forward 50 years, and the event has blossomed into an annual celebration of sharing all abundance with friends and neighbors.

This year’s event is free and open to all, featuring a delicious home-cooked barbeque with all the fixin’s, local produce and used book giveaway, live music by favorite Trianna Feruza and the Heavy Hitters, tie-dye, games, a raffle, and community partner booths.

Mark your calendars for Sept. 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., and come celebrate the fall harvest and new beginnings for Santa Cruz County seniors at the Grey Bears Campus, 2710 Chanticleer, Santa Cruz, CA.

In Service,

Jennifer Merchant 

Executive Director

The Harvest Festival has been a cherished Grey Bears tradition since our founding. It began when our founders, Kristina Mailliard and Gary Denny, were moved by the undernourishment they witnessed among elderly individuals in the community. In response, they gathered fruits and vegetables from their gardens to share with local seniors. The very first Harvest Festival was held using this freshly gleaned produce, welcoming 300 seniors—60 of whom generously brought their own food to share.

Over the years, this humble gathering blossomed into an annual celebration that continues to bring the community together. Each festival is a time for sharing, enjoying great company, and creating lasting memories. With delicious food, lively music, fun games, and a variety of community resources available, the Harvest Festival has become a highlight of the year—where laughter, love, and a deep sense of connection flourish. Decades later, this tradition still embodies the spirit of generosity and togetherness that inspired its inception.