In the rolling hills of southwest Michigan nothing says the fall season quite like the harvesting of fully ripened crops and plump fruits. In preparation and celebration of this plentiful season, the New Buffalo Business Association and the Four Winds Casino are hosting the 5th annual New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday.

The festival will take place rain or shine in Lion’s Beachfront Park, adjacent to the boat launch and beach parking lot in downtown New Buffalo.

Family fun

Representing all that the season has to offer, the Harvest & Wine Fest boasts an abundance of family-friendly activities including nonstop live music under a big top tent, horse-drawn hayrides, unique art vendors, world-class wines from southwest Michigan, tasty fare from area restaurants, pumpkin painting and a bounce house.

Musical talent includes Neverly Brothers (8 p.m.), 5 O’Clock Somewhere (5:30 p.m.), Midwest Hype (3:45 p.m.), Duke Tumatoe (1:30 p.m.) and Rebecca Anne Band (noon).

5 O’Clock Somewhere is a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. The Neverly Brothers presents the evolution of rock-n-roll from Elvis to the Beatles.

Bring a blanket or chair.

Raise a glass

Participating wineries include The Round Barn Winery, Free Run Cellars, Domain Berrien, Founders Wine Cellar and Warner Vineyards. For “Hopheads” who enjoy a good Harvest Ale, Round Barn Brewery will be at the helm of the beer tent with several microbrews.

Planned in conjunction with the well-established “Harbor Country Harvest Days,” www.harborcountry.org, the New Buffalo Harvest Fest will serve as a focal-point to this three-day tradition.

“We’ve designed the festival to be center-stage for the area’s Harvest Days so that there is more of a gathering place for visitors to experience all the area’s bounty in one spot,” said Tom Neubauer of Traffic PR & Marketing, producers of the event.

Suggested donation at the gate is $5 per person. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

The New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest also includes free parking, free kids art activities and free horse-drawn wagon rides.

The New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest is held annually on Saturday of Columbus Day weekend.

For updates and more information, go to www.newbuffalo.org or call (888) 660-6222.