Harvest Days Begin in Harbor Country

Three Oaks, MI -- An annual southwest Michigan tradition on Columbus Day Weekend, Harvest Days, has been expanded this year to include additional activities and events throughout the month of October.

This family-friendly celebration of fall includes special events, culinary delights, artist receptions, live performances, tastings, and a scarecrow contest throughout the eight towns of Harbor Country: New Buffalo, Union Pier, Three Oaks, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, Michiana, and Grand Beach.

Highlights include:

- Dinges Fall Harvest -- fun on the farm with hayrides, "Lost in Space" corn maze, pumpkin patch and more

- 10th Annual New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Festival featuring live music, kid's art activities, wines, craft beers and hard cider from local producers

- Skip's Chili Cook-Off with area chefs competing for the best chili

- Wurstfest -- a family friendly street festival in downtown Three Oaks

- 12th Annual Harbor Country Kitchen Walk -- a tour of amazing kitchens in extraordinary homes of Harbor Country.

This year, 16 unique scarecrows and harvest-decor displays have been installed. Many were created by local artists using non-traditional materials. Bring a camera and take advantage of a unique photo opportunity as you walk, bike, or drive throughout the area.

Local chefs will offer seasonal favorites such as caramel apples, pies, delicious fall soups and seasonally inspired cuisine. Adults will enjoy seasonal beers, wines and creative cocktails from local wineries, craft breweries and distilleries.

Local shops, galleries, and antique malls offer special sales, trunk shows, and vintage finds.

Harvest Days is sponsored by the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce with support from local businesses and The Pokagon Fund. A complete schedule of events and scarecrow map is available at local businesses and at www.harborcountry.org/harvestdays. Photos are available upon request.

About the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce - The Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce is a 501c(6) corporation, established in 1981 to represent the eight communities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer and Three Oaks. The Chamber serves as an advocate for business and a leader for economic development efforts to make Harbor Country a premier place to live, work, and play.

Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers. Covering the entire west side of Michigan from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island, WMTA presents information on the best attractions, lodging, events, and activities in West Michigan. For more information on this non-profit organization, visit WMTA.org.