Higharvestide is a time of plenty for all, and even the poorest will get enough to eat from the generosity of the others in their community. There is always a constant stream of food and ale on the tables set up in the center of town, and all are welcome, local or traveller alike.
Traditions vary from community to community, but most have various contests such as pumpkin carving, axe throwing, archery; and in Shadowdale they even host a challenge to see who can make the gooiest carmel apple, the best apple pie, and the hottest chili. Regardless of the outcome of the contests, everyone goes home happy, content, and with a belly that would envy a halfling.
The Chaunteans observe the Prayers of the Harvest at this time of year, a relatively somber day when compared to the revelry going on throughout the Dales. This holiest of holy days thanks Chauntea for the bounty she has given the community over the past year. It should be noted that this observance does not always fall exactly on Higharvestide, instead being moved as needed to coincide with a given township's actual harvest day or days.
While most people choose to or have to stay in town for the harvest, there is a great deal of traveling at this time. Pilgrims of various religious orders, dignitaries and ambassadors, and even Jack Mooney & Co. Traveling Circus make haste to reach distant destinations before winter weather freezes the rains into snow.
--Sonus Irontree
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