Harvest at the Homestead

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009

Families can enjoy some fun and educational autumn activities at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area's Harvest Festival on Sunday October 4^th. From 10am to 4pm the living historical farm museum offers the opportunity to get hands-on and to enjoy the bounty of the season. Traditional activities include cider pressing, apple drying, sausage stuffing, scary stories in the attic, corn husk doll making, and blacksmithing demonstrations.

This year's event will also have some new features, including "Apple & Pear Tastings" with local experts Doug and Leslie Balsillie of The Fruit Wagon, in Harrow. The Balsillies have been growing fruit in the Iler settlement for over 25 years. They are also participants in Windsor's new Downtown Farmers' Market. Compare different flavours, and learn how new varieties of apples and pears are developed, then purchase some fruit to take home.

At 2 pm, the Homestead will present the two historic barns which have recently been renovated thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Lions Club of Kingsville, The Friends of the JRPH, and ERCA. The white horse barn and the red visitor centre have new cedar roofs, andtwo coats of exterior stain and interior renovations. Curator Janet Cobban said, "We are thrilled that these barns will survive for another generation, and we invite everyone to come and see all of the work that we have done." Olive the Homestead's "born-in-the-barn" feline mascot will also be on hand to greet guests.

The superstitious can discover why horseshoes were always hung in a certain direction, why salt is thrown over the left shoulder when spilled, and what it means when a bird comes into your house, as Victorian traditions are explained inside the 1842 house. Try "divinations" to determine your future ? results not guaranteed!

Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it and enjoy lunch at the Kingsville Lions Club food booth which will feature delicious fall favourites.

The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, east of Colchester, on the shore of Lake Erie.