By 1808Delaware
What is very much a cherished Genoa Township tradition is making its return this October. Freeman’s Farm is preparing to welcome visitors for an afternoon of fall festivities, family entertainment, and a celebration of community spirit.
The township’s Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 24, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the historic farm, located at 6142 Lewis Center Road in Galena. The event also marks a welcome reopening for the property, where recovery efforts continue following a fire. Now under new management, Freeman’s Farm remains an important piece of the township’s heritage. Preserved as a public park, the property brings traditions that bring together generations of local families.
An Afternoon Packed With Autumn Fun
This year’s festival promises something for nearly every age and interest, from traditional autumn farm activities to live entertainment and Halloween celebrations. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, pedal cars, a corn kernel pit, a farm animal petting zoo, balloon twisting, and caricature drawings. A special appearance by the Bug Man — yes, you heard that right — will give curious guests an up-close look at some creepy-crawly creatures.
Children can explore the Trick or Treat Village, collecting candy in bags or buckets brought from home. Each child can also decorate a free miniature pumpkin, while Boy Scout Troop 84 will offer larger carving and decorative pumpkins for purchase. Another seasonal attraction will be pumpkin bowling, presented by the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Live music will fill the clearing in the woods, with performances by Gipson & Fitz featuring Gary Puckett. At 1:00 PM, The Dance Space will present a Halloween Mashup performance. Brutus Buckeye and other local mascots will also make an appearance from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
The afternoon’s costume contest begins at 2:00 PM, when participants can walk the red carpet with DJ Justice, also known as Genoa Township Deputy Police Chief Denman. Prizes provided by The Alpha Group’s Binable Store will recognize the spookiest costume, most creative costume, judges’ choice, and best runway walk. Every participant will receive a small prize.
Shopping, Food, and a Little Local History
There will be plenty to buy as well. A craft and farmers market will feature local vendors selling gifts, candles, holiday decorations, books, knitted items, journals, crafts, and baked goods. Festivalgoers can purchase lunch from Kat’s Kraft BBQ or Tacomania, with sweet treats available from Al’s Delicious Popcorn and Sofi’s Mini Donuts.
The Delaware County District Library will bring its mobile library to the festival, along with local author Karen Meyer, who will be available to sign copies of her book Choosing Sides. Visitors will also have an opportunity to watch an unusual artistic project take shape as the farm’s barn is painted with the Genoa Township wordmark.
Easier Access for This Year’s Celebration
Genoa Township has announced parking and transportation plans which are intended to make attending the festival more convenient. The shuttle pickup entrance at Genoa Baptist Church has been relocated to improve the traffic flow, and Delaware Area Transit will operate two shuttle vehicles rather than one. Shuttle service begins at 11:00 AM, an hour before the festival opens, with the final return shuttle departing the farm at 4:00 PM.
Organizers encourage families to wear costumes and bring bags for collecting Halloween candy.
For Genoa Township, the October gathering represents more than another afternoon of pumpkins and hayrides. With Freeman’s Farm reopening while fire recovery continues, the festival offers residents a chance to return to a familiar place and enjoy the autumn traditions that have made it a community favorite. Additional information is available at GenoaTwp.com/FallFest.
