Summer is a time of long warm days, with buzzing bees visiting colorful flowers. Vegetables, fruits and grains, the result of a summer working in the gardens and fields, are ripening and awaiting the harvest season. As the long days turn shorter, a crispness tinges the air and the work of the harvest season begins. Join CNC on October 5 for Fall Harvest Festival as we celebrate the hard work of the summer growing season and the coming harvest. Visitors of all ages will enjoy demonstrations, crafts, and activities that reflect 19th century farm life during harvest season.

At the Homestead Farm, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the apple harvest, observe how apple butter is made and watch cider being pressed.  Stop at the Timber Frame Barn and learn about spinning and weaving as you experience the Sheep to Shawl demonstration presented by the Midland FiberArts Guild.  CNC's collection of historic woodworking tools will be used by demonstrators to show how farmers created many of their own furniture and farm tools. The Swollen Fingers String Band will be the musical entertainment for the day.

Visit the heirloom garden to learn about the vegetables planted by early settlers, or the children’s garden and participate in fall gardening activities. Visit the herb garden and learn to make an herbal sachet and how herbs were used and why they were important to homestead life. Learn how to grind corn to make cornmeal or chicken feed.  Visitors will have the opportunity to see how rope was made and dip their own candle. Find out how to collect and save garden seeds with Small House Farm.

At the Sugarhouse see the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild working on their latest projects and the Oxbow Archeologists will be conducting a dig. Visit the 1870s Log Schoolhouse for classroom lessons, practice penmanship on a slate board, recite tongue twisters to sharpen your elocution and play schoolyard games such as graces and stilts.  Take home crafts to make will be available at the children’s tent near the schoolhouse.

Round out your day with lunch or a snack at the Studley Grange food concessions (cash only).

Activities include:

Apple Butter and Cider Making

Beekeeping

Blacksmithing

Candle Dipping

Children’s Crafts

Heirloom and Children’s Gardens

Rope Making

Schoolyard Games and more!

Admission:

FREE for CNC members and ALL children under 18, just $5/non-member adult!

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024

Time: 10am - 4pm

Location:

Chippewa Nature Center

400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640.

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