Photo courtesy of VISIT BIG VALLEY Visitors flock to the Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville each year for the Annual Big Valley Harvestfest.

REEDSVILLE — Celebrating its 40th year, the Annual Big Valley Harvestfest is the area’s largest show of its kind. This year’s Harvestfest features more than 50 vendors with lots of good food, great folks and all-around fun.

The event starts Friday, Oct. 3, at noon at the Mifflin County York Park, located at 110 W. Logan St., Reedsville.

“It’s always a really fun time for visitors,” Vicki Hamilton, who has served as an organizer for the event for more than a decade. “Usually everybody leaving there is smiling because it’s a good show.”

The Big Valley Harvestfest showcases craft and small business vendors and a variety of food, along with Dayze Gone Bye carriage rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. Rides cost $5 per person.

“There’s going to be tons of food, and a sitting area inside,” Hamilton added. “There are kids’ events and plenty of parking.

Hours for this year’s event are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Friday’s schedule is highlighted by live music from the band, Make Mine Country. Bring your lawn chair and sit in front of the stage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Make Mine Country has been here the past several years,” Hamilton said.

Come back Saturday, and kids can enjoy the children’s area with a free mobile petting zoo, free balloon treats and fun games. There’s also face painting for the kids, and a chicken barbecue slated for noon.

There will also be an “Around the World” quilt raffle with a 94-inch by 104-inch quilt to benefit Central Pennsylvania Clinic, of Belleville. Other raffle prizes will be donated by area businesses and vendors.

Visitors will also want to check out the display by the Mifflin County Historical Society, “Preserving the Past for the Future.”

Harvestfest will be held at the Mifflin County Youth Park, located off the intersection of Routes 322 and 655 in Reedsville. Just follow arrows to the Youth Park.

Admission and parking are both free for this event.

For more information, visit www.visitbigvalley.com.