Celebrate Fall with the Harvest and Horses Festival next weekend

The Harvest and Horses Festival. (Source: John. R. Park Homestead)

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Fall, the Harvest and Horses Festival is coming up next weekend at the John R. Park Homestead.

This event is a favourite tradition, celebrating in 1850s style.

“This festival celebrates many of our local fall traditions,” said Kris Ives, homestead curator and education coordinator.

“For early settlers, harvest was one of the most important times of the year – a chance to reap the rewards of their hard work and prepare for the long winter ahead. Horses were central to harvest activities in the time of John and Amelia Park. This event celebrates all things autumn and the horses that made harvest possible almost 200 years ago.”

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy the season with cider pressing, sausage stuffing, seasonal crafts, pony rides for $5, traditional games, and pioneer demonstrations.

Kids can meet the horses and owners up close and personal, while families can test their skills at the Hobby Horse Agility Course.

The Parade of Horses will take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. where attendees will see 15 breeds of horses. It will be commentated by Gary Nelson, president of the Ontario Barrel Racing Association.

In addition to all those fun activities, a harvest-themed selfie station, a hands-on homesteading skills station, and a barbeque lunch, sold by Scotty’s BBQ food booth, with dessert from Christine’s Bake Shop.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for kids aged three to 12, and $6 for seniors 65 and over. A family rate is $30 for up to six people.

Tickets can be bought ahead of time here, or at the door.