In a way, the entire farmstand operation was a memorial tribute to Concord farmer Patrick McGrath’s life — so it seems fitting that the harvest season officially ended with a more formal ceremony. Though, as memorial services go, it was not formal at all.

“We called it a celebration of Patrick’s life,” recalled his cousin, Susie Davies. “It was not religiously oriented; just a gathering at the farmstand, with a tent in front. People brought food to share, and we all shared lighthearted memories and stories.”