Date: September 19–20, 2026
Time: Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Grounds and Halls of ASSOCIATION PASTORALE DES BOUTIÈRES
Event Description
The Heritage Harvest Festival is a two-day celebration of agricultural traditions, local food culture, and the living heritage of rural life. Hosted on the association’s premises, this free public festival invites families, farmers, artisans, and visitors from the wider region to engage with the rhythms of harvest season and agricultural craftsmanship.
The festival opens on Saturday at 10:00 AM with an immersive introduction to the history of farming and pastoralism in the Boutières area. Local historians will share stories, archival materials, and photographic exhibitions that trace the evolution of agricultural practices from past generations to the present day.
Throughout the morning, festivalgoers can explore a large exhibition of agricultural tools and equipment, from traditional hand tools to modern sustainable technologies. Knowledgeable guides will demonstrate how each tool was historically used, offering context for how agricultural methods have evolved.
At 12:30 PM, a community luncheon featuring regional produce and dishes will take place under the festival tents. Local producers will present specialties such as cheese, honey, seasonal vegetables, and artisan breads, illuminating the rich flavors of the territory.
The afternoon features interactive workshops, including “Seed Saving and Heirloom Varieties” and “Traditional Cheese Making.” Participants can learn practical skills from experienced practitioners and even take home seeds or samples from their workshop experiences.
On Saturday evening, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the festival offers a series of musical and storytelling performances highlighting rural themes. Folk musicians and local storytellers will share music and narratives that honor agricultural life and pastoral rhythms.
The second day, Sunday, begins again at 10:00 AM with a guided Heritage Walk through nearby pastures and fields, led by local farmers and ecological guides. The walk focuses on plant identification, land stewardship practices, and the interdependence between livestock and landscape health.
At 11:30 AM, a panel discussion on “Future Harvests: Sustainable Food Systems and Rural Prosperity” invites participants to consider how heritage practices can inform modern food systems that are environmentally sound and socially just.
From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, festival visitors can participate in family-oriented agriculture games and educational activities, including soil painting, crop identification challenges, and pasture puzzles for younger attendees.
The festival closes at 5:00 PM with a community reflection session where participants can share insights from the weekend and discuss how heritage and innovation can coexist in the region’s agricultural future.
The Heritage Harvest Festival is free and designed to foster connection, learning, and appreciation of the land and agricultural heritage that define the rural identity of Boutières.
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