By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Grafton – Comfortably brisk autumn weather Nov. 5 attracted residents and visitors to the Brigham Hill Community Farm in North Grafton. There, the Community Harvest Project (CHP) hosted its 11th annual Harvest Home Festival.
After the national anthem was sung by Grafton High School freshman Karley Edwards, about 225 runners and walkers participated in the fifth annual Harvest Home 5K Race and one-mile walk on the Grafton Land Trust trails. Jared Orrell of Oxford finished first overall in 18:13. Carolyn Heidnthal of Grafton was the first-place female finishing in 21:12.
Afterward, race participants and others enjoyed a full day of activities. In addition to food trucks, a beer tent and bake sale, the festival featured tractor-drawn hayrides sponsored by UniBank, marshmallow-roasting by a bonfire, apple cannons, pumpkin catapults, inflatable bounce house and obstacle course, as well as children’s crafts and games. Live musical entertainment was provided by blues singer and musician Big Jon Short, and the band Mill Town Rounders.
Among the event volunteers were Grafton Boy Scout Troop 106, Clark University and Worcester Polytech Institute students, Assumption College baseball teammates, and CHP board members and team leaders.
The event raises funds and awareness for CHP, a nonprofit farm with volunteers growing produce for those in need of assistance throughout Worcester County. For information, visit www.community-harvest.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CHPINC.
(Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.)