Harvest in the Heritage District Kicks Off Sept. 26 with The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt

Gilbert is once again gearing up for a change of seasons and celebrating fall with Harvest in the Heritage District, Sept. 26 to Nov. 2. The seasonal celebration will cast an autumn glow throughout downtown with all-new experiences aimed at igniting fall fever during the month-long celebration. This is the third year of the community event, featuring artist activations and themed events for residents and visitors to the Heritage District during spooky season.

Discover Gilbert, the tourism marketing team for the Town of Gilbert, will be promoting the festivities on a dedicated website, https://www.HarvestintheHD.com. The website details all the activities being planned, including a list of participating downtown merchants and their fall specials, new menu items, events, and offerings. New this year is a downtown-wide scavenger hunt, The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt, featuring the artistry of Ray Villafane and his popular and comical pumpkin displays. Nearly a dozen pumpkin vignettes featuring more than 40 pumpkins in character will take over the Heritage District, as mischievous pumpkins cause chaos and whirl in some whimsy as they invade the historic downtown. Also new this year is an elevated and vibrant origami display, Fall Celebrations in Folding Art, highlighting the harvest cultural celebrations from around the globe. Free Concerts in the Park return to Water Tower Plaza and will be held on the first four Thursday evenings in October. Extensive fall décor and colorful lighting will cast a spell on the district. A live pumpkin carving event and origami workshop will also take place during the Harvest in the Heritage District event run.

The Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt features a self-paced scavenger hunt via a digital passport registration, where participants can earn prizes. Answering quiz questions and a digital check-in is required at each location. Printed scavenger hunt postcards are also available for pick up at Gilbert Town Hall, Discover Gilbert Discovery Centers, HD South, and select merchants. Guests can turn in their completed hunt card or show their digital passport at a Discover Gilbert Discovery Center for a pumpkin prize (while supplies last). Complete details shared online. A free, live pumpkin carving demonstration with Ray Villafane will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 9 AM - 1 PM, at Water Tower Plaza (45 W Page Ave). The event will also feature a group scavenger hunt community meet-up led by the Discover Gilbert team.

For complete Harvest in the Heritage District event details and updates on activities taking place Sept. 26 - Nov.2, including merchant specials and fall-related events, visit https://www.HarvestintheHD.com.