HURON, Ohio — Ten months after a fire that destroyed their barn, the Farmer Jones Farm Market is back in business and thriving with the return of its Fall Harvest Festival.
Live music, tasty food, and free activities like face painting, wagon rides and a costume contest will make for a fun day for everyone, at the second annual festival happening this Saturday in Huron.
The destroyed parts of the farm, co-owned by Farmer Lee Jones, have been open again since July and the family is excited to be able to keep the tradition it started last year going after so much uncertainty and destruction. The farm's marketing manager, Erica Sanicky, told me that while much was lost in the fire, a lot was also gained.
"As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And that is just what the Jones family did," Sanicky said. "We were fortunate no one was hurt. And we were able to rebuild. It feels amazing to have the opportunity to continue to provide fresh vegetables to our friends and neighbors. But it is also bittersweet to have lost so many family heirlooms in the fire."
The opportunity to start fresh in Huron afforded the Jones family the ability to expand, as well, with increased retail space, and better storage and prep areas that can be used year-round.
"We are excited to have our second annual Fall Harvest Festival in the new building," Sanicky said. "Having it so close to Halloween also gives us the opportunity to add fun activities like the costume contest and trick or treating."
Those who make it out to the festival will enjoy music by the North Coast Concert Band, alongside pumpkin painting, outdoor games and wagon rides that start at 9 AM and run until noon. Vicki Neueman Barbaro of Fancy Faces will offer face painting from 11 AM to 1:30 PM, while trick or treating will take place from 11 AM to 1 PM.
There will be a costume contest at noon, co-sponsored by Sheri’s Coffee in Norwalk. Prizes include a gift card to Sheri's Coffee, a Farm Market Gift Card, a cookbook, and various Halloween treats.
The event is free for everyone, from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday. The farm is located at 1517 Scheid Road in Huron.
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