PHOTOS: Fall Fun In Fairfield At Harvest Market And Pet Parade

FAIRFIELD, CT — Old Town Hall Green was abuzz with fall fun Saturday, when the Fairfield Harvest Market & Halloween Costume Dog Parade returned after it was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s turned into something that’s anticipated every year,” said Beverly Balaz, president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, which organized the event.

The market was first held in 2014, with the dog parade added not long after. The 2021 event was expected to draw up to 2,000 people, according to Balaz.

The turnout certainly appeared to be sizable mid-day Saturday, as a steady stream of market-goers, both human and canine, bustled up and down the aisles of vendors and stood in line at food trucks.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to showcase the town of Fairfield,” Balaz said, noting the event provides a gateway for visitors to explore the downtown area.

Parade sponsor Pet Pantry Warehouse donated the prizes for the seven costume award categories and partnered with nonprofit Adopt-A-Dog to bring the organization to the event and raise funds. The market and parade also drew several pet-related vendors.

“We’re very much a community-based business,” said Pet Pantry Warehouse Executive Vice President Adam Jacobson, who described the parade sponsorship as “a natural fit.”

In addition to the parade, the event included more than 70 retail vendors, several food trucks and a giant pumpkin, the weight of which attendees were invited to guess for the chance to win a prize.

For the third year, the Fairfield Rotary Club hosted a beer garden. Fairfield Craft Ales was on tap outside the Old Sun Tavern, where The Sabbs Brothers played live music.

“This is one of our favorite community events,” Balaz said.