2025 Harvest in the Harbor: Ashtabula Local Food Festival 

A Celebration of Ashtabula County’s Local Food and Community

Ashtabula County has always been a place  with deep roots in agriculture, food traditions, and community connection. This year, those roots will be on full display during a lively day of celebration that shines a spotlight on the very best of local food, music, and culture. “Ashtabula Harbor Local Food Festival” is not just a festival—it’s a full-day immersion in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Ashtabula unique. From the crunch of freshly baked sourdough to the tang of heirloom tomatoes, from the laughter of children petting goats to the excitement of live cooking demonstrations, the event promises something for everyone.

A Festival for the Senses

The festival is designed as a true feast for the senses. Bridge Street will be alive with music throughout the day, with local bands and solo performers creating a soundtrack that blends folk, rock, and family-friendly tunes. Food is, of course, at the center of it all. A bustling farmers market will feature local growers offering their freshest seasonal produce—crisp pears, peppers and pumpkins, and the region’s late-summer crown jewel: tomatoes. All vendors, food trucks and restaurants will be highlighting at least one local food item. 

Tomato lovers won’t want to miss the Tomato Tasting, a new feature that invites visitors to sample a rainbow of heirloom varieties. From deep purple Cherokee Purples to bright yellow Sun Golds, the tasting is both an educational experience and a delicious one, reminding us that tomatoes are not only a kitchen staple but also a celebration of biodiversity. 

A Contest of Crust and Crumb

Bread has always been a symbol of community, and this year’s Sourdough Bread Competition aims to bring bakers of all skill levels together. There are categories for both beginners and seasoned professionals, ensuring that anyone with a starter bubbling on their kitchen counter can participate.

The competition is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about winning prizes. Judges will evaluate loaves based on crust, crumb, flavor, and creativity. Visitors can watch, learn, and even taste samples as the judges compare each loaf and explain their findings —from traditional hand-kneading methods to modern approaches that highlight unique grains or local flours. For many, sourdough represents not just bread, but patience, care, and the art of fermentation. Two loaves of bread should be brought to the lobby of Riverbend Hotel by 11:00 on Sunday, Sept 21st. See the website for more details. 

Harbor Gardens: The Culinary Heart of the Festival

A full day of cooking demonstrations will anchor the event at Harbor Gardens, where local chefs, food artisans, and culinary educators will take the stage. Each demonstration is designed to be interactive and inspiring. Expect lessons on how to make the perfect sauce from garden tomatoes, techniques for working with fresh herbs, and tips for incorporating seasonal produce into everyday meals.

For beginners, the demonstrations provide a chance to build confidence in the kitchen. For experienced cooks, they offer new ideas and a chance to connect with regional talent. The setting at Harbor Gardens highlights the growing emphasis on farm-to-table living in Ashtabula County and beyond. Demos include favorites like Alan Block of Flannel Dog Farm, Alyssa DeAngelo of Primal Vine, Nancy Gottron of Upscale Eats and John Wright of Red Beet Row plus Ghost Talker and Herb School visionary, Chris Martello. 

Food Trucks, Vendors, and Local Flavor

No festival would be complete without food trucks, and this one is no exception. A rotating lineup of trucks will serve everything from Hawaiian classics to gourmet tacos, smoothies, and plant-based fare (Evie’s Luau, Crooked Taco, Some Mexican Lady and Rabbit Food). The diversity of offerings reflects the evolving tastes of the region and ensures that every appetite is satisfied.

Vendors will line the streets with handmade goods, artisan foods, and crafts. Shoppers can find everything from local honey and jams to pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Supporting these small businesses is part of what makes the event meaningful: when you buy from a vendor on Bridge Street, you’re not just purchasing a product, you’re supporting a neighbor.

Family-Friendly Fun

The festival is designed with families in mind. One of the most anticipated attractions is goat petting, a chance for children (and adults) to connect with farm animals up close. These gentle animals remind us of Ashtabula’s agricultural heritage and offer countless photo opportunities for families enjoying the day.

Other activities include children’s crafts, sidewalk art, and interactive games tied to food and farming. The blend of education and fun ensures that even the youngest attendees leave with a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.

Music as the Soundtrack

Live music throughout the day adds another layer of vibrancy to the festival. Local bands, Heart Songs and Pickle Milk, will set up along Bridge Street, creating a rhythm that carries festival-goers from one attraction to another. From folk ballads that honor the region’s history to upbeat old time sets that keep energy levels high, the music reflects the eclectic spirit of Ashtabula. Be prepared with walking and dancing shoes. 

Win Prizes by Strolling Down Bridge Street

To add even more excitement, visitors are encouraged to “Stroll Down Bridge Street” for a chance to win prizes. By visiting different vendors, participating in tastings, or attending demonstrations, attendees can collect stamps. At the end of the day, these can be entered into drawings for local gift certificates, artisanal goods, and more. It’s a fun way to ensure that guests explore the full range of what the festival has to offer. No purchase is necessary to receive a stamp at over 80 different booths/vendors/restaurants/shops/activities. Stop by one of two information booths to pick up your card for free. 

Why Local Food Matters

Events like this are more than entertainment—they are about building resilience and pride in local food systems. Buying from local farmers keeps dollars in the community, supports sustainable practices, and fosters relationships between growers and consumers. The festival celebrates the idea that food is not just fuel but culture, history, and identity.

In Ashtabula, where farmland and Lake Erie meet, local food is a bridge between past and future. The farmers market showcases traditions passed down for generations, while the cooking demonstrations highlight innovative ways to enjoy those ingredients today. The sourdough competition ties together the wisdom of old-world baking with modern creativity.

A Community Coming Together

“Stroll Down Bridge Street” is ultimately a celebration of community. It’s a day where neighbors gather, strangers meet, and connections are formed over shared meals and shared experiences. In an age where so much of our food is shipped from far away, events like this remind us of the power and joy of eating close to home.

So mark your calendars, bring your family, and prepare for a day filled with flavor, laughter, and discovery. Whether you come for the bread, the tomatoes, the music, or the goats, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for all that Ashtabula’s local food scene has to offer. The third annual festival is Sunday, September 21 in Ashtabula Harbor. 

Join us on Bridge Street—and don’t forget to stroll for your chance to win!

For more information: Contact: Gallo at the above address; Harbor Gardens, Ashtabula, OH 44004 440.969.7470, check out AshtabaulaLocalFoodFestival.org  Festival is co-hosted by Lift Bridge Community Association and Healthy Roots.