DERWOOD, MD—Today the Montgomery County Department of Parks announces its line-up of activities for the annual Harvest Festival at the Agricultural History Farm Park, this year Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm both days.
“Harvest Festival gives families a sampling of farm life from the 1850s to the present,” said Department of Parks Naturalist Grace Yick. “With tons of activities, there’s something for everyone!”
The Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood, the host site for Harvest Festival, is a picturesque 410-acre park situated along Rock Creek. In addition to a barn and assorted farm buildings, the park also features the historic Bussard Farmstead, which will be open for tours both days of the Harvest Festival.
“We’re offering history hunts at the Bussard Farmstead this year during Harvest Festival,” said Department of Parks Museum Manager Shirl Spicer. “Participants will learn about the lifestyle of the farm family at the turn of the twentieth century, especially the Bussard family, as they hunt for historical objects placed near and around the house and outbuildings.”
This year, both days of Harvest Festival will also include:
- 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Cider Press Boys LIVE performance
- 11: 00 am: Storytelling by the Twinbrook Tellers
- 11:30 am: Log Sawing/Sack Races/Relays
- 12:30 pm: Storytelling by the Twinbrook Tellers
- 12:30 pm: Threshing and Hay Bailing activities
- 12:30 pm: Sack Races/Relays
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Working Sheep Dog Demonstrations
- 2:00 pm: Storytelling by the Twinbrook Tellers
- 2:00 pm: Potato Digging
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: The Starlngtons LIVE performance
- 2:30 pm: Storytelling by the Twinbrook Tellers
- 2:30 pm: Sack Races/Relays
- 3:30 pm: Log Sawing/Sack Races/Relays
Additional activities during both days include tinsmithing, pumpkin painting, chestnut roasting, marble making, scarecrow making, live farm animals, such as chickens, pigs and goats, displays of antique farm equipment, gardening talks and demonstrations and participation in an archaeological site dig to see how professional archaeologists uncover secrets of the past. New this year, there’s also a corn maze!
There will be food and beverages available for purchase, an ice cream truck on-site and bake sale items. Also, numerous crafters will be on hand demonstrating their work such as blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, woodcarving and the Montgomery County Beekeepers will participate.
Admission for Harvest Festival is $10 per car, which includes parking. For more information call 301-924-4141 or visit www.AgHistoryFarm.org. On October 4 and 5, call 301-721-0312 for information.
Volunteers are still needed for Harvest Festival. To volunteer, call the Department of Parks Volunteer Services Office at 301-495-2464 or visit www.ParksVolunteers.org. All Harvest Festival volunteer positions are Student Service Learning Hour (SSL) approved.
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Contact:
Kelli Holsendolph
Media Relations Manager
Montgomery County Department of Parks
301-650-2866