Now that autumn has arrived, it’s time to select pumpkins for carving and apples and fresh cider to enjoy. Luckily, with so many local farms nearby, you’ll have no trouble choosing the perfect pumpkin, or the tastiest apples. Most farm markets are open daily and many of them also hold special weekend festivities, providing fun and games in addition to fresh, local produce.
Ridgeview Farm in Mesopotamia will be hosting their Annual Fall Fun Weekends every Saturday and Sunday now until Oct. 25. The events run from11 a.m. until 5 p.m. “We want the public to come out and Capture the Fall before it leave,”” said Steve Grover, farmer. The farm offers hayrides, an eight-acre corn maze, hayloft learning center, sand box, petting barn, and pick-your-own-pumpkin. Back by popular demand, pig races are held at the farm every Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m. The Farm is located three and a half miles east of Middlefield on State Route 87 at 5488 Kinsman Road. There is no admission charge to the farm, but there is a nominal fee for the hayride and corn maze. For more information, call the farm office at 440-693-4000.
Sirna’s Farm in Auburn Township, will host their annual Fall Festival the first two weekends in October. Each year, families come to the working farm enjoy a hay ride around the Sirna’s Property. Later, they can select their pumpkins for carving or decorating. While at Sirna’s, visitors can peruse the bounty of local products at Sirna’s Market. The festival takes place on Oct. 10 and 11, from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Sirna’s is located at 19009 Ravenna Road (State Route 44) in Auburn Township. For more information, call 440-834-0696.
Nothing says fall better than a horse drawn hayride through the woods, and that’s just what you’ll find at Ma & Pa’s each weekend through the month of October. Come experience the fall harvest season at Ma & Pa’s with pumpkin painting and crafts for the kids. Check out the store where you’ll find plenty of gourds, corn stalks, and more for your seasonal decor. Hay rides are, weather permitting, from noon to 4 p.m. There is a nominal fee, which include a glass of cider and a maple cookie. Please call 440-548-5521 if you are unsure about the weather.
At Patterson Farm in Chesterland, their Fun Fest is open daily through Nov. 1. Monday through Thursday, they’re open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Fest is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The admission price is $5.00 per person on weekdays, and $8.00 per person on weekends. Bring the family, pack a lunch, and relax in our outdoor farm fun area designed for families with preschool and elementary age children. Kids can play in our hay stacks, climb our tree house in the woods, slide down the 50-foot double slide, wander through our corn maze, or take a nature hike. On weekends, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride around the farm from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patterson Farm can be found at 8765 Mulberry Road in Chesterland.
