October 10, 2006 > It's harvest time at Ardenwood

by Lance Dwyer

Saturday and Sunday, October 14 - 15, take the family on a special trip to Ardenwood Historic Farm and enjoy a journey back 100 years in history and tradition. All community members are invited to take part in the Harvest Festival, a celebration to help harvest Indian corn farm operators planted last spring. In its 21st year, this party promises a full day of activities, music, food and historical events.

"We invite the public to come out and really become sharecroppers," said Ira Bletz, Supervising Naturalist. Bletz noted that everyone is welcome to pick as much corn as they like but are asked to offer half of their harvest to the Ardenwood Historic Farm. The farm uses the multi-colored Indian corn for decoration as well as educational purposes, often conducting milling demonstrations and making corn meal as would have been done 100 years ago. The corn is also used to feed animals at the farm.

A long list of activities is planned throughout the day. In addition to historical demonstrations such as cider pressing and walnut hulling, there will be musicians, magic shows and a horse-drawn railroad. Children can also take part in corn husk doll making, buy a pumpkin from Joe Perry's pumpkin patch or explore the 5-acre Corn Maze.

Bletz feels that considering the amount of activities offered and the historical significance of the Harvest Festival, no one should pass up this unique opportunity.

"Where else can you go into a large corn field and harvest corn and get a feeling for what farmers who had farms in this area 100 years ago would have done?" said Bletz.  "It's something the whole family would have done then and it's something they can do now."

Don't miss the fall harvest!

Harvest Festival
October 14-15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets: Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Children 5 and up: $5
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
510-796-0199
www.ebparks.org

Corn Maze (separate attraction)
Adults: $6, Children 6-12: $4, Children 5 and younger: Free