The weather looks like it’s finally turned to cooler temperatures, which means it’s time to find your favorite sweater, grab some hot apple cider, and head out to the Harvest Festival this weekend at Salomon Farm Park.
As one of the most popular fall festivals in Northeast Indiana, nearly eight thousand people will be out at the farm park this Friday and Saturday.
This year’s festival will be the fifth Harvest Festival for Salomon Farm Park Supervisor DeAnna Harris.
“You get to be out in nature. You get to learn about farm equipment. You get to spend time with the family,” Harris said.
It’s fun for all ages, and there is no per-person admission, only a $5 per vehicle parking fee at the gate.
“It’s the tradition and seeing where we’ve been as a country to stepping back and understanding that it takes a lot to do a field. They put a lot of hard work into it,” Harris said.
The festival started in the mid-2000s and has seen significant growth.
“It’s more immersive, so you’re not bombarded with a bunch of people, but you still get to be out in public in a natural setting,” Harris said.
Some of the hands-on activities this weekend include visiting with Blacknose Sheep, Highland Cows, goats, and much more. There are 50 different animals on the farm. Additionally, there are horse-drawn wagon rides around the park, and wheat threshing and corn husking using antique farm equipment.
Activities for children include barrel train rides, a maze, and unique games.
“The kids get to be away from their parents and feel like they’re driving a vehicle. They smile from ear to ear, and you can’t replace that. It’s beautiful,” Harris said on the barrel train rides.
Saturday-only events include an antique tractor parade at noon, pony rides (for a fee), cloggers, a frisbee dog show, and a farmers’ market.
The Salomon family immigrated from Lahde, Westfalen, Prussia, in 1871 and settled where Salomon Farm Park sits today. Many of the projects on this working farm have been completely community-funded and supported, including the restoration of the Homestead.
Salomon Farm Park was launched in 1996 through the generous donation of land by Chris Salomon. With the assistance and grateful acceptance of the Fort Wayne Board of Park Commissioners and the Parks and Recreation Department, the Salomon family’s wishes have come true.
“They had a vision and want to continue it. And keep it a natural open space for the public to come and get back to nature and see what a farm is actually like,” Harris said.
The NEI Marketing team can be spotted at the Festival this Friday, so don’t be afraid to stop us and say hello!
Brice Vance is the copywriter and brand strategist for NEI and will almost assuredly have a hot cup of apple cider to enhance the festival experience this weekend.
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