,
Corraleños are set to celebrate the return of the annual Corrales Harvest Fest on Sept. 28 and 29, welcoming thousands of visitors for two days of family-friendly activities that showcase the village’s rich history and charm.
The Kiwanis Club of Corrales has organized the Harvest Fest in partnership with the village since around 1985. The Harvest Fest features ten tractor stops, each packed with activities such as live music, hayrides and the highly anticipated announcement of this year’s pet mayor winner.
Lane McIntyre, chairman of the Corrales Harvest Fest, is “looking forward to another great year.â€
Harvest Fest admission is $15 for adults, while children under 13 enter for free. Proceeds from admissions and vendor fees support local nonprofits. The Kiwanis Club’s grant review committee awards funds primarily to kid-focused organizations and other organizations such as animal services and the fire department.
This year, the Harvest Fest launched a new app, available on Apple and Android platforms, featuring a photo scavenger hunt. Through the app, attendees can purchase tickets, view a map of event locations throughout the village, and explore other interactive options. The inaugural Harvest Quest is a photo scavenger hunt where participants take selfies at various locations for a chance to win prize packages featuring local products and services. Three winners will be chosen from those who have completed the entire list.
Voting for the pet mayor is in full swing, a highlight of the Harvest Fest, with proceeds supporting animal services. According to McIntyre, Corraleños can vote as often as they’d like for this year’s nine candidates, with voting boxes at various village businesses or online at corralesharvestfestival.com. It’s $1 per vote, so you can stuff the ballot box for your favorite candidate.
The Saturday Night Hootenanny will showcase January Storm, a returning fan favorite headlining the main stage at the Corrales Rec Center Soccer Field. The event will feature live music on both the main stage and the food truck stage. Tickets for the Hootenanny are $20 and the event runs from 7-10 p.m. Saturday.
For a journey through Corrales history, hop on the not-so-rapid transit hayride to the “Heart of Corrales Fiesta” at the Old San Ysidro Church, hosted by the Corrales Historical Society. Visitors can explore the village’s agricultural and musical heritage while enjoying activities like the pie walk and old-time games for kids. Across the street, Casa San Ysidro offers even more with local vendors, music and artisans.
Arrive early Sunday for the Pet Parade, which kicks off at 9 a.m. at Corrales Elementary. This year’s theme is “Peanuts,” so get your pets decked out as Snoopy, Woodstock, or any other beloved characters from the iconic comic strip.
McIntyre says the most rewarding part of Harvest Fest is seeing people enjoy the event while being able to support deserving organizations through grants.
“It’s exhausting and takes a lot of planning,†he said, “but it brings me joy.â€