Travel Itinerary
Every fall, the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Rhode Island transforms into a magical autumn wonderland during their annual Harvest Fair.
Families gather amid colorful foliage to celebrate the season with traditional games, delicious food, and live entertainment.
This beloved community tradition showcases the best of New England autumn while supporting conservation efforts at the 300-acre wildlife sanctuary.
1. Games and Activities for All Ages
Kids squeal with delight during potato sack races while parents cheer from the sidelines. The fair grounds buzz with activity as families test their strength in tug-of-war competitions and little ones get their faces painted with festive designs.
Games of skill and chance dot the landscape, offering prizes and memories that last well beyond the weekend. Everyone finds something to enjoy, from hayrides through the sanctuary to hands-on craft stations.
2. Seasonal Food and Drink Delights
Aromatic clouds of apple cider steam rise from vendors’ stalls, mingling with the scent of freshly baked pumpkin treats. Local food trucks serve up hearty autumn fare that warms both hands and hearts on crisp October days.
Families gather at picnic tables beneath golden-leaved trees, savoring caramel apples and hot chocolate. Each bite celebrates Rhode Island’s harvest bounty while supporting local producers and the sanctuary’s mission.
3. Live Music and Entertainment
Melodies float across the sanctuary grounds as local musicians strum guitars and fiddles play traditional tunes. Children dance freely on the grass while parents tap their feet to the rhythm of folk songs that feel as timeless as the changing seasons.
Between sets, storytellers captivate audiences with tales of local lore and autumn traditions. The performance area becomes a gathering place where strangers become friends, united by music and the joy of fall festivities.
4. Home and Garden Competitions
Proud gardeners stand beside displays of giant pumpkins and perfectly formed gourds, the fruits of months of careful tending. Judges examine homemade preserves, baked goods, and floral arrangements with discerning eyes, looking for that special touch that deserves a blue ribbon.
Young competitors beam with pride as their entries receive recognition alongside those of seasoned professionals. These friendly contests celebrate agricultural traditions while inspiring the next generation of Rhode Island gardeners.
5. Nature Walks and Wildlife Education
Quiet moments await along sanctuary trails where guides point out migrating birds preparing for winter journeys. Families pause to admire the spectacular palette of red, orange, and gold painting the landscape in autumn’s finest colors.
At educational stations, children meet ambassador animals and learn about local ecosystems. Many visitors discover the sanctuary for the first time during the fair, returning throughout the year to explore its 300 acres of protected habitat and diverse wildlife.