Children and dogs run around as people explore local vendors and hop on hayrides. Just as autumn returns each year, the Running Brook Vineyard Harvest Festival has returned to welcome in the season. 

As in past years, there were wine tastings, grape stomping, live music and vendors with a variety of goods. The vineyard also had horse and hay rides and a car show.

This event started on Saturday, Sept. 20 and will continue into Sunday, Sept. 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Four-year-old Christian Martin tried out grape stomping this year. He described it as “squishy” and “like water.”

“I like to stomp on this [the grapes],” said Martin.

Rustian Abonze from Fairhaven said he enjoyed the vibe of the festival. His favorite part was the wine tasting sampler. 

“It’s nice, it’s cute, it’s got a nice little vibe going,” said Abonze, “All the shops were nice.”

The vineyard offered tastings of six wines. There were options for reds, whites and dessert wines. There were also fall specials like an apple pie slushie.

Guests could shop local vendors with options like thrift finds, buttons and crochet while listening to live music performed by Truue or Ethan Lazaro. 

Billie-Jean White attended the festival for the first time to accompany her goddaughter and do some face painting. 

“You know what I love about the fair? People are just so real, and fun, and friendly. You can feel that local vibe,” said White, “It feels New England.”