Harvest Fest celebrates fall

Lucky’s Markets showcase seasonal produce, products.

Ignore the subtropical temperatures here in Florida. It’s fall. And Lucky’s Markets throughout the state will showcase seasonal produce and products during its annual Fall Into Something Different Harvest Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. The events are free and open to the public.

Lucky’s three South Florida stores — in Plantation, Oakland Park and Coral Springs — will each put their own spin on some of the activities. (A fourth Lucky’s is set to open next year in Kendall.)

“Each of our stores has a very unique personality and a unique client base,” Brooke Armstrong, regional marketing specialist and trainer for Lucky’s, writes in an email. “We work with our local store teams to identify what’s locally relevant, what kind of events we can offer that will add value and support the community.”

What you can expect to see

There will be food and beverage samplings as well as costume contests and other activities (see below for specifics). According to the Colorado-based grocery chain, the fall flavors in the spotlight will include squash, berries, florals, pumpkin spice-flavored cheeses as well as seasonal beers and wines. Autumn-themed recipes can be found at LuckysMarket.com.

Armstrong says Lucky’s works with regional farmers to get local produce into South Florida stores, but that Harvest Fest will also include items from all over the country.

“We love working with local farmers as often as possible, but we’re also dedicated to providing our customers with the best flavor profiles available for our products,” she says. “You’ll find Michigan and New York apples throughout our produce department this season, because the crispness and taste of a Northern apple simply can’t be beat. Even with the warm Florida temperatures, we’re still celebrating savory and sweet autumn flavors. Squash, the unsung hero of fall produce, is a seasonal favorite this time of year.”

What’s planned for Coral Springs and Plantation

■ In-store pumpkin patch for kids (great for photos).

■ A costume contest for kids (also crafts and coloring).

■ Apple-themed samplings (apple cider, apple pie and various apples).

Beer and wine tastings for adults.

What’s planned for Oakland Park

■ An adult “Trick or Treat Passport” event where guests visit each station and get a stamp, which makes them eligible for a prize. Each station will offer fallflavored beer and wine samplings with suggested pairings of cheeses, desserts, nut breads and pastries.

■ A costume contest for adults (creative, G-rated costumes are encouraged).

■ Suggestions for entertaining, including do-it-yourself charcuterie plates, fall decorations and autumn-themed dishes.

Where to go

■ Coral Springs — 9184 Wiles Road

■ Plantation — 7700 Peters Road

■ Oakland Park — 1033 E. Oakland Park Blvd.