PLYMOUTH, MA Issued July 8, 2022 . . . Two of the Commonwealth’s most historic organizations announced today a collaborative event in celebration of Massachusetts’ state fruit – the cranberry.  Massachusetts Cranberries, established as Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA) in 1888, and Plimoth Patuxet Museums, America’s acclaimed living history museum, founded in 1947, are launching CranFest, an annual festival set to take place November 11 and 12.

CranFest logo“Massachusetts Cranberries is excited about this natural collaboration, 75 years in the making, as Plimoth Patuxet’s founder, Henry Hornblower II was a cranberry grower himself,” stated the organization’s  Executive Director Brian Wick.  “We are proud to share the story of the cranberry and continue to educate the public about our native berry with our friends at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.”

CranFest is a two-day festival on the grounds of Plimoth Patuxet, celebrating and communicating the enduring history and versatility of Massachusetts cranberries, and their role in the culture, livelihood, and culinary traditions of the region. CranFest’s “Family Day” offers activities for all-ages, including craft making and storytelling programs, games and seasonal activities.  “Foodie Day” inspires a festive mood through lectures, a cranberry recipe contest, local wine/beer tastings and culinary treasures paired with musical  entertainment.  The festival offers opportunities to enjoy the tastes of local food truck vendors, viewings of a cranberry documentary in Plimoth Cinema, and cranberry-themed purveyor’s goods in an open-air market.

"We're delighted to partner with Massachusetts Cranberries to present this wonderful, festive event that offers something for everyone," said Ellie Donovan, Plimoth Patuxet Museums' executive director. "As a cultural destination dedicated to bringing history to life, we're excited about celebrating the cranberry, the role it has in our region's traditions, and its iconic place in New England life."

With common threads of longevity and mission-driven commitments to education, cultural heritage, the economy and well-being of the region’s communities, both Plimoth Patuxet and Massachusetts Cranberries anticipate this first step in fruitful future collaborations.

Cranberries at Plimoth PatuxetThe cranberry has long-standing roots in regional history. Indigenous People throughout southeastern Massachusetts long enjoyed the annual harvest of sasumuneash – wild cranberries – for thousands of years. The indigenous fruit served as a reliable staple in diet, as medicine for healing, and to ward off seasickness.

As the founder of cranberry cultivation, Massachusetts currently stands as the second largest cranberry growing region in the country. Cultivation of the cranberry began in 1816, when Revolutionary War veteran Captain Henry Hall, of Dennis, Cape Cod, observed the improved growing habit of wild cranberries in his bogs as winds covered them in sand. Captain Hall developed a technique of spreading sand on transplanted cranberry vines, which quickly became an effective growing method.  Growers increased steadily, and “Cranberry Fever” struck, cultivating an industry boom. In that era, the cranberry harvest became so vital to local and state economies that Massachusetts children could be excused from school to work the bogs during harvest season. Fast forward to today, when farmers harvest approximately 40,000 acres of cranberries annually across the United States and are exported to countries all over the world. Local food movements have rekindled interest among consumers in food origins, offering growers a chance to showcase their craft and passion with new audiences.

“CranFest will add yet another exciting event over Plymouth’s busy Thanksgiving season and will offer an additional interpretation of this important time in our American history,” said Lea Filson, President/CEO of See Plymouth. Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Massachusetts Cranberries are already economic drivers that support the region’s business community. This partnership will increase tourism and add to our cultural experiences.”

To learn more about CranFest, sponsorship opportunities, vendor information and more, visit plimoth.org/events/cranfest.

For more information about Massachusetts cranberries and their health benefits, visit Massachusetts Cranberries at cranberries.org, or follow the Association on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  For more information about Plimoth Patuxet, visit plimoth.org, or follow the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and Mayflower on Facebook and Instagram.

About Massachusetts Cranberries

Massachusetts Cranberries logoCCCGA logoMassachusetts Cranberries and the more than 275 cranberry growers in Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket are represented by the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA). Established in 1888 to standardize the measure with which cranberries are sold, CCCGA is one of the country’s oldest farmers’ organizations. Today, this trade organization for Massachusetts Cranberries has given growers both a single voice and collective strength in promoting the cranberry industry.

Cranberries are the largest agricultural food commodity produced in Massachusetts, with an annual crop value of $64.9 million. Massachusetts is home to 30% of all North American cranberry acreage and according to the most recent Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange Report, provides over 6,900 jobs and a total economic benefit of over $1.4 billion to the Massachusetts economy. For further information, contact Brian Wick, Executive Director, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, [email protected] or at 508-866-7878.  For the latest updates, visit cranberries.org or follow the Association on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Plimoth Patuxet logoThrough engaging experiences of history, Plimoth Patuxet tells the history of the Plymouth Colony and the region’s Indigenous people – in collaboration and in conflict – in the 1600s. Major exhibits include Mayflower II, the historic Patuxet Homesite, the 17th-Century English Village, and the Plimoth Grist Mill. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. A private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution, Plimoth Patuxet is supported by admission fees, donations, memberships, and revenue from a variety of educational programming, dining and gift shops. Plimoth Patuxet receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. Located less than an hour’s drive south of Boston, and 15 minutes north of Cape Cod, the Museum is open daily from mid-April through the end of November. For more information, visit plimoth.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and Mayflower II on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos:  Publication recipients have permission to use the photos on all media platforms, no limitations on use.  Plimoth Patuxet Museums and Massachusetts Cranberries are the owner of the rights to use their respective photos.

Top Center:  Cranberries are the largest agricultural food commodity produced in Massachusetts, and the official state fruit of the Commonwealth, image courtesy of Massachusetts Cranberries

Middle Left:  The CranFest official logo, representing the two-day festival launching November 11 and 12, 2022, graphic by Visual Solutions Design

Bottom Right:  Cranberries are often present among Plimoth Patuxet's many living history exhibits, image courtesy of Plimoth Patuxet Museums