In September, Harmony Food Co-op of Bemidji, Minn., decided to go all in on fall by hosting a harvest fair for the community. The co-op transformed its parking lot into a farmers market, along with family activities, live local music, a mural unveiling and more. The event was so successful that the local PBS television station aired multiple stories about the activities (see links below).
The festival featured a live performance by local musician Doyle Turner, an Americana singer/songwriter from the White Earth Nation. The co-op also took the opportunity to unveil its new mural by area artist Mary Therese, recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Therese engaged kids at the Bemidji Boys and Girls Club in the creation of the “Tree of Life” for the co-op’s exterior wall.
“The mural is intended to draw attention to our diverse population of the region as it serves to build self-esteem, creativity and a sense of belonging for community youth by having their artwork part of this public mural,” the co-op said in its event press release.
In addition to music and the mural unveiling, the co-op also offered plenty of in-store samples of local products, as well as kids activities like pumpkin painting.
Local News Coverage
- Local news video about the Harvest Fair
- Local news video about the Mural Unveiling
- Facebook photo album of event
