Cranberry Fest Will Merge With Island Fair To Become Nantucket Harvest Fair

Two of Nantucket's beloved fall events will soon become one.

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation announced on Thursday that it will be merging its annual Cranberry Festival with the Island Fair. The combined event will be known as The Nantucket Harvest Fair and is set for Oct. 1 and 2, 2022 at the Milestone Cranberry Bogs.

Starting in 1856, Nantucket has hosted a traditional fair celebrating the start of the fall harvest period.

By joining forces, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation and the Nantucket Island Fair aim to reimagine this event and keep the tradition alive for the community.

“The fall fair is a historical island event, and we are thrilled to be taking it to the next level," said Allison Levy, marketing and outreach manager for NCF. "Events will include traditional fair games, Gertrude’s Harvest Exhibition, cranberry harvest demonstrations, live music, and so much more for island families to come and enjoy. We are excited to partner with the Island Fair in continuing this community tradition.”

Both events have been on hold for two years amid the pandemic, although the NCF did hold a series of smaller cranberry-related events last fall during what it called "Cranberry Month."

The Island Fair, typically held at the Tom Nevers park, has also been an island favorite for years.

“The Island Fair committee is pleased and excited for this new collaboration with NCF and the Cranberry Festival,” states Island Fair co-manager Abby Slosek. “Nantucket Harvest Fair will still be the end of season celebration that we all know and love. It’s the community event for every member of this diverse island, young and old, put on by the community for the community. And now we will be aided by the amazing folks at NCF with their rich agricultural history at the Bogs. We feel it’s a win for all involved and can’t wait for the return of the fair.”