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This fall, area residents can discover what goes into the harvest and gain a new appreciation for farming through hands-on activities and demonstrations on themed weekends from Sept. 24 through Oct. 16 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark.

Visitors can witness the power of horse- and tractor-drawn harvesting equipment and the roar of muscle cars of yesteryear during Horsepower Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Sept. 24 and 25.

“The entire weekend is dedicated to focusing and showing the progression of farming from workers to animals to the machinery over the years that’s allowed it all to happen,” Farmpark  Event Manager Andy McGovern stated in a news release.

On Sept. 24, there will be demonstrations of draft animal power and antique to modern tractors using a wide array of implements that have helped farmers over the years, including a 1930s-era Avery threshing machine that provided a faster-paced removal of seeds from corn stalks and husks.

On Sept. 25, the event shifts gears as Farmpark powers up its third annual Car and Truck Show from 1 to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Come see and listen to the rumble and power of car and truck engines coming to life.

On both days, attendees can experience the horsepower first-hand as they take the reins to plow behind one of Farmpark’s draft teams.

Also on both days, visitors can see antique tractors and farm equipment displays and demonstrations such as corn grinding, the release stated.

Farmpark also will unveil its new Outdoor Riding Ring located next to the arena. This new facility will enable Farmpark to host riding and driving clinics, demonstrations and competitions such as barrel racing, draft and light horse driving, and dressage as well as other agricultural activities.

Then on Oct. 1-2, Farmpark continues the harvest season with a weekend all about apples as attendees can discover how apple butter and cider are made during Apple Butter & Cider Weekend. They can also help make the prodcuts as well as taste them.

“Having a mixture of apples makes the best cider with a good mixture of both sweet and tart,” explained Valerie Reinhardt, Farmpark’s horticulture manager, in the release.

Then Corn & Pumpkin Weekendstill take place Oct. 8 and 9 and 15 and 16.

This popular weekend offers a range of family-friendly activities centered around the fall crops — including pumpkin bowling, the release stated. Attendees also can wrap and tie corn husks to create their own old-fashioned corn husk doll.

During each weekend, visitors can enjoy harvest-themed crafts and other harvest activities and demonstrations. Kids can alsoenjoy a ride on the barrel train.

Food will be onsite, and the Corny Apple Bar will have corn- and apple-related items for purchase. On Sundays, there will be freshly made soups, made primarily from ingredients grown on-site.

Visitors are also invited to test their directional skills as they follow winding paths that lead to intersections where they must decide which way to turn next in the 3-acre corn maze.

The fall harvest-themed weekends run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are included in Farmpark admission of $6 to $8. Farmpark members, children under 2 and active military and their families receive free admission.

For more information and event schedules visit http://goto.lakemetroparks.com/farmpark-events.

Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Farmpark’s mission is to provide a connection to our agricultural roots while helping people understand where our food and clothing come from, the release stated. In addition to the fall harvest activities, visitors can experience milking hands-on with dairy cows, watch equine demonstrations, watch a border collie herd the sheep, ride on a horse- or tractor-drawn wagon, meet other farm animals and more.

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