3D plant pots by Stetson Miller were a new addition at the local Harvestfest this year.

BETHEL — Several new vendors brought their goods to the 26th annual Harvestfest on Sept. 21.

The first-timers included Megan’s Pet Care, Petrullo Farms, The Grind, Printing Perspective, and Hodgkiss Family Candy and Gifts.

Bethel Chamber of Commerce Director Bobbi Vandenbulcke expressed enthusiasm about the new vendors.

“It’s always nice to have change,” she said.

Some of the businesses had their first festival debut at Harvestfest. Both Stetson Miller (creator of Printing Perspective) and Olivia Cuneo (The Grind) said that Bethel Harvestfest was their first local fair, and that they were looking forward to participating in future festivals.

During the festival, there was also something new when it came to entertainment. Instead of a band that would play for the whole day, there was a rotation of singer/songwriters who changed each hour.

“It gave the festival a different flair, a different feeling,” Vandenbulcke said. “It was really nice to have calmer, more relaxed singer/songwriters there. I think they were very well-suited for the festival.”

The featured musicians were Eli Lev, Vanessa Jones, Sara Trunzo, and Skip Guptill. When asked his opinion on the festival, Eli said that it was “absolutely awesome – fall vibes in full effect with kind and knowledgeable vendors and yummy food.” This was his first festival in Maine.

Many of the businesses making their debut were relatively new as well. Stetson explained that he had only begun working on 3-D printing in earnest about 20 months ago.

Cuneo said, “I’ve been a barista for about five years now, but I started my small mobile company at the beginning of September.” Petrullo Farms began their pasta-making venture in April. Each of these vendors has, since then, grown their business and now has brought it to Bethel to share with the community.

Vanderbulcke expressed optimism about the new additions to the festival moving forward.

“When you go there and it’s been the same for a long time, it’s great because you know what to expect, but it’s also a surprise when you go, ‘Oh wow, there’s something new, there’s something new and different.’ I definitely see that as a trend in the future.”