Harvest Fest comes back to Puget Island

The trees changing color, the thick fog appearing, and the scent of pumpkin spice arising; these are all signs that fall is here. What better way to welcome the season than with fresh-pressed apple cider and piping-hot pizza?

Pizza in the fall can only mean one thing on Puget Island: the Little Island Creamery’s annual Harvest Fest is back with fun (and delicious) things to do for the whole family.

This Sunday, Oct. 5, the Creamery’s barn will be open to the public with a number of free activities including pumpkin decorating, kids’ games, and apple pressing. Just remember to bring your own apples and containers. There will also be live music from 1 to 3 p.m. in the barn.

New this year is a costume contest - with categories for “Best Kid Costume” (12 and under), “Best DIY / Handmade”, “Best Overall” and “Best Group Costume” (open to families and friends). If you’d like to test out your Halloween disguise, sign up by 1:30 p.m. on the day of and arrive dressed up for a chance to win. Judging will be at 3 p.m.

Of course, food and fun await you, along with facepainting by a professional makeup artist, wood-fired homemade pizza (starting at $15), a barn beer garden (with River Mile 38 brews and root beer), and more. Don't forget, a visit to the barn wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the dairy and a chance to milk Karen the Kow.

The Harvest Fest follows a string of successful 2025 dates at the Little Island Creamery, including the Big River Book Festival, Jazz on the River, and the 100th anniversary of the Oscar B ferry. These events have put both the creamery and Puget Island on the proverbial map. “We started this after COVID to introduce ourselves and do something fun for the community,” said Kathleen McDonald, who, along with her brother Dick, co-owns the creamery. “We want to continue to give back. Our entire staff will be there with support from our local and island neighbors.”

While at the Harvest Fest, don’t forget your Puget Island Autumn Passport, and be sure to get it stamped at Puget Island Gardens and Little Island Farm. Complete a passport by Sunday, Oct. 26 to win a prize. Details can be found at the Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce.

The Harvest Fest will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. On-site parking is free and available to attendees, as well as ADA access to the barn. In case of rain, the event will be maintained in the Creamery’s barn “Venue” and kitchen building. The farm store will remain open during the event selling the award-winning brie, cheese and more.