By 1808Delaware
For one Saturday in September, the barns, fields and fall attractions at Leeds Farm will welcome Central Ohio families for a tradition now entering its 19th year. The annual Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival takes place Saturday, September 19, beginning at 9:30 AM at the farm, 8738 State Route 36 in Ostrander. The event offers free admission to children and adults with autism, along with their siblings, parents, grandparents and direct support professionals.
Guests do not have to arrive when the gates open. Tickets are valid for admission anytime after 9:30 AM, and families may remain at the farm until it closes at 5:00 PM. The day offers families an opportunity to enjoy one of Delaware County’s best-known fall destinations without the usual cost of admission.
A full day of farm fun
Leeds Farm has become a familiar autumn destination in the Ostrander area, with activities ranging from hayrides and farm animals to zip lines, pedal carts and slides. The Delaware County Visitors Bureau includes the farm among the county’s major fall attractions and highlights its mix of hayrides, jumping pillows, animal encounters, slides and other outdoor activities.
Visitors can spend the day moving from one activity to another or simply enjoy the farm setting. Among the attractions associated with Leeds Farm are the Combine Slide, corn boxes, mini zip lines, mountain and racer slides, pedal carts, pig races, the Pumpkin Jump, straw-barn forts and slides, a tree house and hayrides.
For Autism Harvest Festival guests, those experiences come without an admission charge.
Free admission but tickets are required
Although the event is free, advance reservations are required for every guest age 3 and older. Families should first email event coordinator Sherry Fisher at sherryfisher99@gmail.com to obtain a promotional code. Tickets are then reserved through the Leeds Farm website. On the ticket page, guests should select “Autism Harvest Festival (Sept. 19 – 9:30 am),” enter the total number of tickets needed and apply the promotional code below the Terms & Conditions section.
The code reduces the ticket price to $0.00, with no service charge added. Tickets will be scanned at the admission barn upon arrival and can be displayed on a phone or printed in advance.
Nineteen years of welcoming families
The event has developed into a longstanding Central Ohio tradition. Last year’s festival was billed as the 18th annual Autism Harvest Festival, with the same emphasis on providing a complimentary day at the farm for people with autism and their families.
This year’s September 19 gathering carries that tradition into its 19th year, combining the familiar sights and activities of an Ohio fall day with an event specifically created to welcome families affected by autism.
Questions about the festival should be directed to Sherry Fisher at sherryfisher99@gmail.com or 740-225-3256. Organizers ask participants not to call Leeds Farm directly with event questions.
Polish the story for publication
