Need to Know: Downtown Farmington's Harvest Moon Celebration

Downtown Farmington's annual Harvest Moon celebration continues Friday and Saturday, with a festive dance, family activities and an elegant Farm to Table dinner. 

Activities will be held at the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion and Riley Park and Memorial Park at Grand River and Oakland Street. Here's what else you should know:

The Harvest Moon Dance features Scoot Magoo.

Held Friday, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion, tickets for this event are $5 in advance at the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) office, Busch's Fresh Food Market, John Cowley & Sons, Farmington Center Florist, Joe's Headquarters, Merle Norman, Meadows Fine Wine & Liquor and The Vines Flower and Garden Shop; and $8 at the door. 

You'll find more than 70 vendors – and Boy Scout popcorn – at the Harvest Market. 

Wander down to the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion and Riley Park Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for Michigan-grown produce and flowers, and Michigan-made products. Music at the Market features Dan Goree; Peace, Love and Planet will have a display; and area Boy Scouts will be promoting their annual popcorn drive. 

Find activities for the kids Saturday in Memorial Park.

The Harvest Kids Zone, held Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., features Farmer John's Petting Zoo and Show, a toddler hay bale maze, pumpkin bounce house, and activities with the Farmington Community Library and Power Upper Elementary Nature Club. All free!

The Farm to Table Dinner will be more than just delicious.

STM Trio – Stan Bawol on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals, Marcus Belgrave, Jr. on bass and Oliver Nevels on guitar – will perform during the Saturday dinner, held 6 p.m.-11 p.m. in the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion. This 5-course meal features foods from Calder Dairy and Farms, Dutchmill Gardens, Fusilier Family Farm, Garden Gate Farm, Gass Centennial Farm, and Great Lakes Coffee, as well as Michigan crafted beers and premium wines. Tickets are $50 and available at the Farmington Downtown Development Authority. Call 248-473-7276. Proceeds benefit the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market.  

Saturday is the last day to enter the 8th Annual Scarecrow Building Contest. 

This year's theme is “Remembering the 1950s", and the contest is open to individuals and groups in four categories: Adults (18+), Teens (12-17 yrs), Children (11 & under), and Businesses. Entry forms are available on the DDA website or at the Farmers and Artisans Market information booth.