October 7, 2009 > Ardenwood Harvest Festival Ardenwood Harvest Festival By Suzanne Ortt Photos By Ira Bletz It's harvest time on the farm so gather up your family and friends and head for Ardenwood. Visitors are encouraged to spend a day of down home country fun picking Indian corn and popcorn to help fill the farm's corncribs. As an honorary sharecropper for a day, a portion of the harvest is available as a take home gratuity to use as holiday decorations and an edible popping delight. Please bring your own bags for the corn. Corn is now a widespread and a popular cultivated vegetable but initially it was considered a weed (teosinte) in central Mexico. Through human farming, corn or maize became the product we know today. Scientists estimate this process took 7000 years. This year's corn crop at Ardenwood, a modern variety, is in plentiful supply. Magic shows, old-fashioned crafts, and cider pressing will add to the entertaining atmosphere of the Harvest Festival. Brian Scott will present two unique and fascinating magic shows. Children will also delight in creating cornhusk dolls, make handmade ice cream and press apples for delicious cider. Old-time music will add to the historic ambience. Stump Tail Dog, comprised of Dan Engle and Ray Frank, will present a zesty repertoire of jigs, ragtime, reels, and even waltzes. David Maloney, folk singer, will liven both days with family/kid-friendly shows. Visit blacksmith Scott Thomas, ride the horse-drawn train, tour the Patterson farmhouse and participate in activities popular early in the 20th century. Harvest Festival is a time to just enjoy a celebration of another year of bountiful crops. A bonus at this time of year is Perry Farms Pumpkin Patch across the parking lot from the entrance to Ardemwood Farm. A bounty of pumpkins awaits visitors. Varieties differ, as do the sizes and prices. Pumpkins are a popular winter squash but Perry also sells other types of squash as well. Hay bales and corn stalks are for sale, too. For more vegetables, check out the nearby produce stand. Broccoli, green beans and beets are among the colorful and fresh, locally grown choices. Ardenwood Harvest Festival Saturday, October 10 and Sunday October 11 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, Fremont (510) 544-3289 www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood Adults: $8 adults Seniors (62+ yrs.) $6 Children (4 - 17 yrs.) $5 Children 3 yrs. and under free No pets allowed. Perry Farms Pumpkin Patch Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., The pumpkin patch will close at 5 p.m. on October 31