Start your seasonal festivities with Fall Harvest Weekends at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
By Mimi Vanderhaven
The numbers are in and it looks like one season wins the hearts of Americans by a landslide. A recent survey found that 45% of people named autumn their favorite time of year. (Eh, sorry summer, that’s nearly double the votes you garnered at 24%.)
In Lake County, there are as many ways to celebrate fall as there are changing shades of leaves. Let’s start with Fall Harvest Weekends at Lake Metroparks Farmpark.
Mimi caught up with Farmpark Events Manager Andy McGovern to get the scoop on this year’s festivities.
September 21-22: Apple Harvest Weekend. Learn how to harvest apples, make cider and apple butter, as well as enjoy a fascinating strolling show by special guest Johnny Appleseed, who will share history about himself. Take a stroll along the Johnny Appleseed Trail and savor apple cider served cold, frozen or hot. Insider’s pick: the apple cider slushie.
September 28-29: Horsepower Weekend. Andy says they explore all things horsepower, from teams of draft horses to antique tractors on Saturday including tractor vs. horse demonstrations. On Sunday, the horsepower swings modern with a Truck and Car Show. Last year there were 200-plus antique roadsters, vintage rides and muscle cars.
October 5-6: Corn and Pumpkin Weekend. Andy reports this is his personal favorite. Paint a pumpkin, try your hand at pumpkin bowling and savor pumpkin-themed baked goods.
While you’re at the Farmpark for any of the weekends, don’t miss the confounding 3-acre Corn Maze, which runs through Sunday, October 6. As a special surprise, this year vistors can take a break in the middle of the maze with a giant playground from Playground World.
Wherever you land, now is the perfect time to get your fall on in the great outdoors.
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland. For more information please visit lakemetroparks.com. Farmpark is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The maze and harvest activities are included with Farmpark admission.