Fall Harvest Festival Shines Bright with Community Spirit

On Saturday, Nov. 1, Carilion Community Health and Outreach hosted the Fall Harvest Festival of Light at Morningside Urban Farm in southeast Roanoke. More than 140 community members came out to the free celebration, which honored the strength of our connections and traditions through creative experiences and performances.

This year’s event featured light as a symbol of hope and healing. Participants joined in activities like a community quilting project with Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program artist-in-residence Lynn Donihe and made lanterns with project artist Jane Gabrielle. There was face painting, refreshments and an open mic where our artists and community members performed music and poetry. Representatives from Carilion Mental Health, Center for Grief and Healing and Chaplaincy were on-hand to share resources. We also hosted nonprofit organizations including Blue Ridge Literacy, I Heart SE, Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP), Roanoke Arts Commission/Daisy Art Parade, Roanoke College and Tudor House.

The evening ended with the Burden Boat Ceremony and a lantern processional. The Burden Boat is an interactive art piece by Kurt Steger that traveled from Roanoke Memorial Hospital to the farm for this special occasion. Participants were invited to write their burdens on note paper which were then burned in the hull of the boat, signifying release and renewal. 

Morningside Urban Farm is an inclusive gathering space that brings people together and supports physical and mental wellness. While our annual fall festival marks the end of this growing season, the farm will be open to the public again in the spring with free workshops and events. 

For more information on the farm and our free community health programs, contact Community Health and Outreach at community@carilionclinic.org.

(All photos taken by Scott Yates, Carilion photographer)