Neskowin Valley School to host annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 3

By TIM HIRSCH
of the Sun

The changing of the season is upon us. And that means an autumnal harvest aplenty including the tastes, aromas and sights of fall — all of which will be on full display during Neskowin Valley School’s Harvest Festival, set for Saturday, Oct. 3 on school grounds, located at 10005 Slab Creek Rd., Neskowin.

The first act of this walk among falling leaves will begin at 11 a.m. and the final bow is set for 5 p.m.

With the school’s continued focus on events being more community-focused rather than an effort to fill the tills, the event will feature a full slate of music, children’s activities, a variety of art-focused vendors, as well as autumnal takes on food and drink.

“We are really happy to have it be a community event, a place for the community (to come) together — regardless of how much money we make or don’t make,” said Head of School Sara Gurath.

Vendors will feature items ranging from flowers to arts and crafts. 

As well, NVS students will host a store full of student-made items.

The return of the Slab Creek Grill will mean attendees can take a trip to the islands by filling up on a Hawaiian Plate Lunch, a feast that will include teriyaki BBQ chicken, teriyaki BBQ tofu, white rice, Hawaiian mac salad, mixed greens with ginger sesame dressing, and Mo’s clam chowder.

And to satisfy that thirst, a beer garden will feature selection from Silas Wines, Twist Wine Co, Pelican Brewing and Rusty Truck Brewery.

“I think (there’s) just something so special about celebrating the abundance of the harvest and also recognizing these cycles of the year that are just part of our lives,” Gurath said.

Also, part of the fun will be activities aimed at the younger set. Planned autumnal fun will include a pumpkin patch where future jack-o-lanterns can be bought for a modest cost, as well as a variety of autumn-themed crafts and games.

Though the focus of the event is indeed community, it will serve as the launch of the school’s end-of-year giving campaign.

“Year-end giving is an opportunity for our community to come together and invest in the future of Neskowin Valley School,” said Emily Bailey, NVS director of operations and advancements. “Donations made during this season help sustain the outdoor, experiential, and individualized education our students receive, while supporting financial aid, exceptional teachers, and the programs that make NVS such a special place for children to learn and grow. Nearly one-third of annual nonprofit donations occur during the year-end giving season, which extends from Giving Tuesday through Dec. 31. As our largest fundraiser and a beloved community tradition for 44 years, Harvest Fest marks an exciting start to this season of gratitude, generosity, and shared commitment to the future of NVS.”

And, if there’s a perfect setting to learn about what this school is all about, perhaps the Harvest Festival could be it. But it’s only the beginning of the experiential education that K-8 students enjoy.

“At NVS, rigorous academics and outdoor, experiential education aren’t competing priorities...they belong together. We’re proud to offer this distinctive approach to learning on the Oregon Coast,” Gurath said.

Gurath, who took the helm as head of school just three months ago, said she’s impressed by the school and loves the outdoor and “experiential” focus.

“This is the strongest staff I’ve ever worked with. They are experienced. They are committed. They’re very creative with their curriculum. And the kids are flourishing. We have a really great group of kids this year. We’re really leaning into our outdoor education and play space.”

The experiential education experience NVS brings to students has many pluses.

Outdoor education is an approach to learning that intentionally uses nature and the local environment as part of the classroom. Rather than separating academic subjects from real life, students experience them firsthand.

Bailey says that the goal isn’t simply to spend time outside. The goal is to create learning experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and help children make lasting connections between what they learn and the world they live in.

“Outdoor education is learning with nature and from nature,” Gurath added. “We have the space during a school day to have our core classes and allow the kids time to explore. It’s such a valuable way to learn.”

For more information about the Harvest Festival, as well as other school activities, visit neskowinvalleyschool.com  or call 503-392-3124.