It’s that time a year when a festival rolls around that reminds us the summer is fading into the past and the fall with its changing colors is arriving very soon.

As the temperatures dip into the low 70s its time to break out the sweaters that have been tucked away since Memorial Day and head down to the 14th Annual Harvest Festival at Piers Park.

Sponsored by Zumix, this year’s festival will take place on Sunday, September 12 from 2 to 6 p.m.

“We are featuring apple pie baking and harvest competitions,” said Zumix founder and director, Madeline Steczynski. “Prizes will be awarded to the winners and the day will be filled with family activities and live performances for all to enjoy.”

Steczynski, said the annual Harvest Festival is one of her favorite events of the year.

“With a taste of autumn in the air, we bid farewell to summer and celebrate all that Mother Nature provides,” said Steczynski. “The Harvest Competition will blow you away. See what talented gardeners we have in East Boston as they proudly display their incredible flowers, vegetables and fruits – all grown right here on East Boston soil.”

East year the apple pie baking competition is also a crowd favorite. “Consider getting up early and baking a pie,” said Steczynski. “Residents and local bakeries compete separately, then the winners of each compete for the coveted “Best in Show” ribbon.”

The event begins at 2 p.m. with a solemn 9/11 memorial service to honor those lost and to give thanks for our lives and our loved ones.

At 2:15 p.m. the Harvest Parade leaves Zumix on the corner of Sumner and Orleans Streets, winds its way down Sumner, up Webster Street and down Cottage Street into Piers Park.

“Have your kids join the parade in festive Harvest costumes and walk with the band,” said Steczynski. “The fun begins in Pier Park at 2:30 p.m. with games and activities for kids, free corn on the cob courtesy of Shaw Supermarket and our friends at Meridian House.”

Musical entertainment includes the Kingsley Flood and Zumix’s own DiverCity Band (who opened for Kool & The Gang at Suffolk Downs last year).

“Get your dancing shoes on, bring a picnic, meet your neighbors and enjoy one of the most beautiful parks in the whole city of Boston,” said Steczynski. “If you have friends coming from other neighborhoods, have them consider taking the Boston Water Taxi (617-633-09240) to and from the event.”

Prizes include gift certificates to many of Eastie’s fabulous restaurants.

To register for the harvest competition or apple pie competition, please call Zumix at (617) 568-9777. For more information on entry in the competitions please contact achavez@zumix.org or call 617-568-9777 x107.

Rain date is set for Sunday, September 19, 2-6 p.m.