Celebrate the feeling and flavors of autumn at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm’s 8th annual Harvest Fest! Campus and community members are invited to spend an evening on the farm sampling farm-fresh foods, making crafts, enjoying live music and engaging with our student farmers. Join us on Thursday, September 14 from 4-7 p.m. for a fun-filled evening! The event is free and open to the public.
The Ross Student Farm is excited to host Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, president of Penn State University, at Harvest Fest for welcome remarks at 5 p.m.
Food samples will be provided throughout the evening by a diversity of local chefs and caterers, including Taproot Kitchen, the Village, State High, Paul’s Provisions and our very own Penn State Housing and Food Services chefs. Try ratatouille, gazpacho, caramelized onion focaccia and more samples made with seasonal vegetables.
Guests will also have the opportunity to make sun prints, plant their own succulent (free for Penn State students; $5 for all other guests!), enjoy a live musical performance from Tyne and the Fastlyne and participate in other farm-themed activities. Those who attended Harvest Fest last year and witnessed the planting of our new Catalpa tree can check on its growth from the past year. Guests can also learn about our plans for a new multi-purpose facility on the farm that will transform the types of educational experiences we can provide to the community.
We strongly encourage guests to use sustainable transportation options to get to the farm, which is located at the intersection of Big Hollow Rd. and Fox Hollow Rd.
- Free event buses will run continuously between the Berkey Creamery bus pull-off on Curtin Rd. and the Ross Student Farm from 3:45-7:15 p.m. Students, faculty, staff, families and community members are all encouraged to utilize these blue event buses to get to Harvest Fest.
- The Ross Student Farm is partnering with SPIN to offer $10 in future ride credits to anyone who uses an electric SPIN bike to the Ross Student Farm between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. that day. New users can also use the code FREEFIVE for a $5 credit to use for their initial ride.
- Attendees can also reach the farm using CATA buses H and HU routes, or a personal bike.
- There will also be limited parking in the paved lot next to the farm.
Each year, Harvest Fest is planned and executed by an enthusiastic group of student leaders. Katie Seidel, junior in environmental engineering, has been coordinating with partner organizations to plan a diversity of fun and engaging farm activities for guests.
“The collaboration between interns, Student Farm Club members and other campus organizations is amazing to see,” Seidel said. “With all of us working together, we get to learn from one another while engaging the community in a positive way. We hope everyone will take the time to come out and enjoy the farm with us!”
Student Farm Club merchandise purchases, succulent fees and any other payments can be made with cash, check or Venmo. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and use sun protection throughout the event. If you have any questions about Harvest Fest, please contact us via email at: studentfarm@psu.edu.