Mountain festival springs up in Boulder Creek

A new festival is coming to Boulder Creek.
After the Boulder Creek Art and Wine Festival ground to a halt following the 2009 event, there was a void for a festival to help put the mountain town on the map.
Enter Boulder Creek’s Hallie Greene, the founder of Greener Thoughts Productions, who has organized the Oct. 1 Santa Cruz Mountains Harvest Festival.
The festival will feature local musicians, a barbecue, merchants, artisans, wine and beer in hopes of drawing people to Boulder Creek. Greene said there are 25 vendor booths already in the works.
“I’m excited for people to have a positive image for Boulder Creek and to pull our local community together,” said Greene.
Greene and her small team have drawn upon locals to put create the festival. The idea was fostered at Boulder Creek Merchant Committee meetings, and local businesses have latched on. It will take place in the open lot between Jenna Sue’s Café and Taqueria Los Amigos in downtown.
Among the food and vendors, there will be a harvest hayride for children, along with crafts and games hosted by Glen Arbor School.
“I think this is going to be awfully nice,” said Ann Marie Conrad of Boulder Creek Hardware. “Compared to other events that used to exist, this is all about Santa Cruz.”
Conrad was impressed with the energy and connections Greene has and that the event promises such a local flavor.
“We and other merchants think smaller venues more frequently, rather than one large event,” Conrad said.
Greene also was recently hired as the Boulder Creek Recreation General Manager, but said that this year’s production is not tied to the rec district. In fact, there are no major sponsors, but Greene hopes the Boulder Creek Business Association will take on the event next year.
She said Joe’s Bar, Boulder Creek Hardware and Mountain Feed and Farm Supply (in Ben Lomond) have all supported the event.
The Southstreet Center, a nonprofit center for young children and families to meet and learn, will benefit from the proceeds of the festival.
At a glance
What: Santa Cruz Mountains Harvest Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek, next to Jenna Sue’s Café, 13090 Highway 9, in Boulder Creek