Afterwards, and new this year, take a self-guided Art Tour of Paonia and Hotchkiss galleries and boutiques. From clothing to stained glass, paintings to pottery, sculpture to jewelry, the North Fork has it all. Participating businesses will have special displays showcasing all varieties of art. This is a great way to see a wide array of local artists' and artisans' beautiful work. Galleries will offer refreshments to visitors both Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday, the Guided Farm Tour will showcase the best in sustainable agriculture operations from around the North Fork Valley. If you are interested in how food and meat products are produced with integrity and love, this farm tour is for you! The guided tour meets at 8:30 a.m. departing at 9 a.m. Saturday morning at Delicious Orchards on Highway 133 just outside of Paonia. Those who would like to see some of the same and some different farms but don't wish to go on the guided tour may take themselves on a self-guided tour of one or all five farms between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Last but not least, there is a wine tour happening all weekend. Local wineries will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors to stop in and sample their wares.

Whatever your fancy, there's something for everyone to celebrate at this year's Mountain Harvest Festival! In addition to the tours, the festival features family fun at Paonia Town Park all day Saturday and Sunday, with performances by local musicians, puppet shows, free children's activities, a craft fair and a Farmers' Market on Sunday.

For maps of the tours and other information about the Ninth Annual Mountain Harvest Festival, go to our website at www.mountainharvestfestival.com or check out the Entertainment Guide in the Delta County Independent on Sept. 23. See you there!