Farmamerica Fall Festival

Farmamerica held its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11. By noon more than 600 guests had arrived, leading to more than a thousand by the end of the event at 4 p.m. New to this year’s roster of events was a scarecrow decorating contest which led to some lively displays on the grounds. A quilt display at the country church was another special treat. Music was provided by the Marv Nissel Band; Leske Wood played piano music at the Country Church interpretive site..

 

A popular attraction was a corn maze for those brave enough to risk getting lost. Conveniently nearby were giant cow-shaped bounce houses. Trams served all day both as a type of entertainment in themselves since they were drawn by vintage tractors and as transportation among sites. Visitors strolled the various locations on the grounds, including the 1850s homestead, a one-room schoolhouse, a 1930s farm, and more. Volunteer tram driver Gary Johnson said, “This is my second year, they got us running all day. I’d say my tram has been full almost every time around, I will definitely be back to do this again next year.” He had to go because some kids showed up needing a ride to the schoolhouse.  

 

At the Blacksmith Shop site, children were invited to tour the vintage location and also enjoy free apple cider sponsored by Hertz Farm Management. A kid’s scavenger hunt offered prizes that included stuffed animals and t-shirts. At the Feed Mill, children were invited to play bingo for prizes and candy, sponsored by the FFA. At a pumpkin area, teenage volunteers Jolee Larson and Dakotah Marik were helping children paint pumpkins they had picked out. Both agreed, “We like doing this kind of thing with the kids; they remember this when they get older and it’s cool we’re here for that.”

 

Concessions included Auntie Wendy’s Kettle Corn and the Sugar Shack.

 

Winners of the scarecrow contest were announced on Monday. The “Pink Enthusiasts” were selected as the “People’s Choice” winners and received a trophy. The 4-H “Home Grown Explorer” was the winner selected by a panel of judges. The Judges’ Panel winner receives a trophy and $100. 

 

For those visiting Farmamerica on Saturday, the Fall Festival also coincided with the new winter hours and location for the Waseca County Farmers Market. Those people selling produce, baked goods and much more can now be found at Farmamerica during the snowy season. Farmamerica expressed special thanks to Hertz Farm Management and Blue Earth County Corn and Soybean Growers, for supporting their event.