Food, Music And Nature Highlight Saturday Festival

Festival Celebrates Farming, Conservation And Community Connections

RALEIGH, N.C. — Local agriculture, conservation and community will take center stage this weekend as Triangle Land Conservancy hosts its second annual Land & Harvest Festival at the Sarah and Bailey Williamson Preserve.

The free event, scheduled for Saturday, June 13 from noon until 4:00 p.m., will bring together farmers, environmental organizations, food vendors and outdoor enthusiasts for an afternoon celebrating the land that sustains the Triangle region.

Located along the Wake and Johnston county line, the Williamson Preserve serves as a fitting backdrop for the festival, which aims to highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture, land conservation and strong local food systems.

Visitors can browse a farmer’s market featuring local growers and vendors, enjoy food and beverages from area businesses, explore exhibits from environmental organizations, and participate in guided hikes throughout the preserve.

Live bluegrass music by the East Side Ramblers will provide entertainment with performances scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Families will find plenty of activities throughout the day, including a Kid’s Corner and adaptive cycling opportunities provided by NC Adapted Sports. Birding walks hosted by the Feminist Bird Club will be offered at various times during the festival.

Several guided tours are also planned, including a Chickasaw Plum Hike at 1:30 p.m., a tour of the Williamson Preserve’s historic buildings at 2:30 p.m., and a tour of Karen Community Farm at 3:00 p.m.

Food vendors include Karen Community Farm, Copperhead’s Craft Burgers, Lumpy’s Ice Cream and Crankarm Brewing.

Festival organizers say the event is designed to connect residents with the farms, natural resources and conservation efforts that help shape the region’s future.

Triangle Land Conservancy has worked to protect land across the Triangle since 1983. The organization has conserved more than 25,000 acres in six counties and manages eight public nature preserves while working to safeguard clean water, protect wildlife habitat and support local agriculture.

The Sarah and Bailey Williamson Preserve is located at 4409 Old Country Mial Road near Raleigh. Admission is free, although advance registration is encouraged.