A.D. Makeapeace Co. announces 15th annual Cranberry Harvest Festival will be its last

Sep 16, 2018

After 15 years of shining a spotlight on the state’s largest agricultural export, the A.D. Makepeace Co. has announced this year’s Cranberry Harvest Celebration will be the grower’s last. Since its founding, the festival has grown to attract roughly 20,000 people from across the world to A.D. Makepeace headquarters on Tihonet Road.

According to a letter from A.D. Makepeace Co. President and CEO Michael Hogan, issues such as changing weather patterns and oversupply are taxing area growers, making it difficult for them to donate time and resources to the festival during the height of the harvest.

“Our fellow growers lack the resources to support the Celebration at the level they once did,” said Hogan. “Early October brings the very busiest days of the year for all of us in the cranberry industry.”

The festival was started as an effort to educate Southcoast residents on the details of cranberry growing. Early festivals featured a handful of vendors speaking one-on-one with visitors.  Moving forward, the company will focus on a “more intimate approach to education,” said Hogan.

Last year, the company hosted well-received pick-your-own cranberry events. Hogan said those will be expanded and the company will focus on a “more intimate approach to education.”

He noted that bus tours are also held throughout the fall, offering visitors a chance to tour the bogs and speak with growers. Hogan offered thanks to the many people who have supported the festival through the years.

“We hope the public will join us this October as we celebrate, and we hope many will join us again in 2019 for our educational events,” he said.

The final Cranberry Harvest Festival is set for Oct. 6 and 7 at A.D. Makepeace Co. headquarters, located at 158 Tihonet Road.