After 15 years of showcasing the state’s largest agricultural export, the A.D. Makepeace Co. will host its final Cranberry Harvest Celebration on Oct. 6 and 7. 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.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.

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.  

During the final event, visitors can watch the berry harvest, visit educational and historical displays and view the landscape and harvest via helicopter.

More than 40 juried exhibitors from around the region will be on hand, as well as local musicians, a farmers market and food.  

Children’s activities include pony, paddle boat, wagon and train rides, live entertainment and more.

Admission is $10, $5 for seniors and military, children under 7 are admitted free. Admission includes viewing of the wet harvest operations, live music and children’s activities. Some activities have fees and others are available by donation to the nonprofit organizations that offer them.

A portion of the admission fees go to local nonprofit organizations that help staff the event and to local food pantries. Parking and shuttle transportation are free.

With the exception of service animals, pets and other animals are not allowed.