As a sure sign that autumn has arrived, the much-loved Harvest and Horses Festival returns to the John R. Park Homestead on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
“This festival celebrates many of our local fall traditions,” says Kris Ives, Homestead Curator/Education Coordinator. “Harvest was an integral part of the year for homesteaders as it was a time to reap the benefits of their labours and to prepare for the long winter ahead.”
From 11:00am until 5:00pm, the Homestead invites visitors to celebrate autumn the old-fashioned way with cider pressing, sausage stuffing, seasonal crafts, pony rides, and more!
“Little ones love to meet the horses and their owners up-close at this event. There are lots of games and activities to entertain visitors of all ages including the popular Hobby Horse Agility Course,” says Ives.
Costumed interpreters help guests travel back in time to the 1850s at a variety of outdoor, autumn pioneer stations. The ever-popular Parade of Horses will be held at both 1pm and 3pm, featuring over 20 horses. This year the Parade of Horses welcomes a new, professional announcer – Gary Nelson, President of the Ontario Barrel Racing Association.
The various Homestead demonstrations and displays will be ongoing throughout the day, and visitors can also enjoy the harvest-themed family selfie station. Pony rides for young people are available from Sarah Parks Horsemanship for $5 each.
Visit the equine artifacts display inside of the historic horse barn. BBQ lunch items will be available for purchase from Scotty’s BBQ food truck and delicious baked goods will be available at the Beagle Tree Farms, and Christine’s Bake Shop booths.
Admission is $8.00 for Adults, $6.00 for Children (Ages 3-12), $6.00 for Seniors (Ages 65+), and $30.00 for a Family Rate (Max 6 People). Skip the line and pre-order tickets at https://essexregionconservation.ca/harvest.
Tickets also available at the door. Please remember, only papered service animals are permitted at this special event.
The John R. Park Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, at the corner of Iler Road, on the shore of Lake Erie. As this is a popular event, off-site parking is available at Priscilla’s Presents just north of the Homestead on Iler Road, with a complimentary shuttle running to and from the event between noon and 5:00pm.
Please note that the historic house remains closed for important restoration work and is planned to reopen to the public in late 2024.