Special to the Islander

The second annual “Harvest – a festival of gifts” was held Nov. 6 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the south campus of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. 

This arts and crafts festival featured more than 30 vendor booths selling one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, a silent auction, an art gallery, and a sweet shop.

Other festival highlights included local artist, Kathy Gibbs, sketching portraits and a free decorated pumpkin contest for all ages.

When asked her reasons for contributing to The Harvest, Courtney Steffek of Thirty-One Gifts responded, “I like to give back to the community. The Harvest festival is a true community event that not only helps the local artists and Gulf Shores United Methodist Church but also provides scholarships for its mother’s day out and preschool ministry.”

More than 50 local businesses throughout Baldwin County contributed items to the silent auction.

Lana Crawford, Director of the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church Mothers Day Out and Preschool program, said “The Harvest Festival was a true success thanks to the participating local artists, the contributing businesses, the volunteers, and the local community. It definitely was a true festival of gifts.”