Fall Festival to unite learning, fun Oct. 17

The Farmamerica Fall Festival, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 17, is adding a range of new features to augment the activities which are traditions for the event, according to program coordinator Kari Wadd.

 

The $10 admission fee includes a pumpkin for each child, which can be painted on site, or taken home undecorated. Children can also participate in a DeVoss “Pedal Pull” contest either for the personal challenge or to earn the chance to compete at higher levels; registration for the pedal pull begins at 12:30. 

 

A new Farmamerica labeled jump pad will allow children some springy fun.

 

Folks can also visit with the 2026 Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Steele County resident Jena Hanson, who was crowned on Aug. 26; Hanson will be at the 1930s farm site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Llamas will also be at the farm site from 11 to 2, thanks to the Llama Mama petting zoo.

“It’s our biggest event of the year,” enthuses Wadd, “so we tend to pour our heart into it.”

 

She expresses pride in the combination of fun and learning the event makes possible, mentioning era-appropriate demonstrations and activities at the facility’s interpretive sites, which include a settlement-era homestead, a country schoolhouse and church, the 1930s farm, a blacksmith shop, and more. This year’s demonstrations will include rope-making, rug weaving, metal-working, and hardanger; volunteers are also stationed at each site to answer questions and, in some cases, lead activities.

 

For the second year, area groups and organizations are being invited to take part in a scarecrow contest. Interested participants can find out more by accessing Farmamerica’s website and following the “Fall Festival” thread. Eight participants have signed up so far. Votes from visitors on Oct. 17 will determine the winner.

 

Other activities are the corn maze, which Wadd says participants have found “challenging, but fun,” sensory corn experiences, apple picking, a 4-H concession stand, games led by the Janesville FFA, tram rides, and “the simple pleasure of coming out, enjoying our acreage, and appreciating the fall season.”

 

Food vendors will be selling kettle corn,  ice cream, cotton candy, and coffee.

 

The Waseca farmers market, which has been taking place at the county fairgrounds all summer, will be at Farmamerica that day. Vendors will be selling home-grown garden goods, homemade breads, jellies and treats, and craft items. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 24, the weekly market will be indoors at Farmamerica through the fall, winter and spring.