Food Adventures: Cranberry Harvest Celebration

You could say that Massachusetts knows a thing or two about harvesting cranberries. The native fruit was first cultivated in Massachusetts, and today the state produces 15 percent of the world’s cranberries.

For Bay Staters, cranberries are more than a chief export — they’re a way of life and a source of camaraderie among local farmers, and certainly worthy of a celebration outside Thanksgiving dinner. On Saturday, October 8, and Sunday, October 9, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association and Ocean Spray held the 13th annual Cranberry Harvest Celebration. Located on the A.D. Makepeace Company’s farmland, visitors interacted with the harvesting experience at the season’s peak, learning from farmers, touring the property and, for the first time, putting on waders and stepping into the bog (yes, they’re real). Cape Cod growers sold fresh cranberries, Craisins, baked goods and sauces, while local restaurants served both regional food and cranberry-adorned dishes.

Sarra Sedghi is Paste Food’s Assistant Editor. She can usually be found arguing about mayonnaise on Twitter.

1 of 18 Fittingly, bags and boxes of fresh cranberries were for sale. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

2 of 18 The Wareham Minutemen and Militia Companies, Inc. made breakfast from scratch while the festival carried on in the background. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

3 of 18 The massive tent showcasing crafts and goods from local vendors. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

4 of 18 The adjacent Tihonet Pond was open as a venue for rentable kayaks and swan-shaped paddle boats. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

5 of 18 From above, the cranberry bog looks like Jupiter or a swirly red latte. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

6 of 18 A perfectly New England lunch, all under $10. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

7 of 18 Activities for kids included a magic show, pony rides, a train and a giant seasonal slide. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

8 of 18 The festival also featured a strip of typical fair fare. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

9 of 18 Clam fritters from Lindsey's Family Restaurant. Photo: Sarra Sedghi

10 of 18 The harvest special: turkey and cranberry sausage, local kale and squash, brie and cranberry compote topped with sage. Photo: Sarra Sedghi