North Stonington — Like a mini-fair with a fall twist, the North Stonington Harvest Festival will pop up at the Hewitt Farm property for the second time ever this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"I keep getting the phone call, 'Is this really free?'" said Nita Kincaid, co-chairman of the Hewitt Farm Committee, smiling.

It's not too good to be true — parking and admission, as well of a host of activities being offered on-site, are free.

Throughout the five-hour fest, families can traverse the newly created Fairy Trail, navigating a series of clues to discover fairy-scapes that have been hidden throughout. Those lucky enough to find all the fairy homes will be able to create their own at the trail's end.

Other activities include a state police K9 demonstration, hay wagon rides, bow-and-arrow tutorials, antique games and the viewing of several animals, from horses and cows to bunnies and goats.

Not everything at the festival will be free, though, Kincaid said, warning visitors to come with an empty stomach.

The North Stonington Lions Club will be on hand with its famed purple-and-yellow food trailer, offering hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wraps, chili and even fresh-pressed cider.

More than 20 local volunteer and nonprofit organizations will join them, some selling merchandise, others tempting passers-by with cupcakes and pies.

Even for those who overeat, there's a solution: longtime performers Joe LoPresti and The Country Friends of Preston will take the stage from 1 to 3 p.m., belting out twangy tunes and inviting those in the vicinity to square dance.

Kincaid said the heavy nonprofit and volunteer participation — "almost every nonprofit in town is involved" — is intentional.

"Any money they're making is going back into the community," she explained. "That's the whole concept behind how we did this."

The first Harvest Festival was in 2011, three years after the town bought the 100-plus-acre property in 2008. Since that gathering, which served as an official opening of the newly public property, much has changed.

Largely volunteer groups have worked to clear out and properly mark the farm's many trails. A 16-plot community garden has popped up, its abundances often going to local centers and organizations. The on-site dam, wiped out in 2010, is closer than ever to being opened to pedestrian and occasional vehicular traffic.

"I think — I hope — people will be surprised at how good the property looks," Kincaid said. "There are a lot of people who probably still don't really realize what's here. (The festival) is happening so the whole community can understand that this property is for them."

The Hewitt Farm Committee, the North Stonington Garden Club and the Community Garden Association joined forces to put on the free event. Visitors are asked to arrive at the Route 2 entrance, between the Holly Green Plaza and the Shell gas station.

l.boyle@theday.com

Twitter: @LindsayABoyle