Whether you love or hate cranberries, there’s no denying that they are a quintessential fall flavor. But you may not know that Washington is their fifth-largest producer in the country! In 2017 alone, we grew almost 150,000 barrels of the tart, polarizing fruit. Every year in Grayland, Washington, residents and cranberry fans gather at the Grayland Community Hall to celebrate this autumn classic. The Cranberry Harvest Festival this fall will take place October 14-15, and I think it’s worth visiting!
With a population of under 1,000 people, Grayland is a very small Washington town, indeed. Located in the southwestern corner of Grays Harbor County, this quaint community is primarily known for stunning Grayland Beach State Park.
Many folks from the Evergreen State don't know that this area is also home to a multi-million dollar cranberry industry. Over a hundred years ago, farmers identified that the confluence of ocean spray and marshy land would be perfect for cultivating this beautiful fruit.
An industrious Massachusetts man named Anthony Chabot was the first to see the potential for big profit in Washington's bogs. Trusting Chabot's vision, other farmers bought up 1,600 acres of land between 1872 and 1877 and devoted themselves to cranberry production.
The Great Depression almost killed this unique Washington industry, but a handful of individuals persevered through rough times and businesses slowly rebounded.
Washington may not be the largest cranberry producer in the United States, but local farmers have made significant contributions to the industry. While most farms practice "wet method" harvesting, which requires flooding fields, in 1957, a Grayland resident named Julius Furford invented the machine that made dry harvesting possible. You can still see the bog where it was first used at 1818 Cranberry Road!
For 30 years, Grayland has celebrated its cranberry industry and farmers at the Grays Harbor Cranberry Festival. The festivities are being held at the historic Grayland Community Hall this year.
You'll love this unique exhibition of all things cranberry! Peruse the selections of local vendors, immerse yourself in cranberry cultivation on a bog tour, compete in a cranberry cook-off, and delight in the firelight parade.
There are plenty of special autumn events in Washington, but Grayland’s Cranberry Harvest Festival deserves more attention. It’s been honoring the regional importance of cranberries since 1993, shining a light on an area of Washington commerce many Washingtonians don’t know about. You’ll love the wholesome activities, warm festival-goers, and delicious food. Visit Grayland and stop by the Cranberry Harvest Festival this fall for a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
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