Apples and Pumpkins and Scarecrows – Oh My!

We’re heading into that colorful season of the year when fall harvesting takes on a special wonder all its own. Many local organizations and businesses are featuring the best of fall with events that feature apples, pumpkins and entertaining scarecrows to fill your weekends with fun. You’re sure to find plenty to paint, carve, drink and taste at any of these fall festivals.

Apple Fun

Mennonite Heritage Center – Apple Butter Frolic
565 Yoder Rd, Harleysville, PA 19438
215-256-3020

The Apple Butter Frolic held on Oct. 1 is an opportunity to see how Mennonites and their farm neighbors lived over 100 years ago. In its 43^rd year of operation, this popular autumn festival features farming and craft demonstrations, Pennsylvania German foods and a special apple foods tent. The day begins with a pancake & apple sausage breakfast from 7:30 – 10:30 am. There are children’s activities, horse and wagon rides, and an apple baking contest. See the Heritage Center website for more details and admission fees. http://mhep.org/apple-butter-frolic

Pottsgrove Manor – An Apple a Day…
100 West King St., Pottstown, PA 19464
610-326-4014

Learn all about apple preservation in “An Apple a Day, the Colonial Way,” a program on Sat., Oct. 22 from 11 am to 3 pm at Pottsgrove Manor. The colonial cooks at the manor house will demonstrate how to make apple butter and press both sweet and hard cider. Kids can try a hand at the cider press and make & take a themed craft. The event is open to all ages with a $2 suggested donation.

Pumpkin Fun

Phoenixville Pumpkinfest
Bridge & Main Sts. Phoenixville, PA
484-928-0562

You haven’t had fun with a pumpkin until you’ve attended Phoenixville Pumpkinfest. Participate in the pumpkin derby, sample (and vote) for the best pumpkin inspired dish created by one of Phoenixville’s restaurants or watch expert pumpkin carvers as they compete for the grand prize. There will be carnival games throughout the festival, face and pumpkin painting, contests, food and live music. The free event is on Sat. Oct. 22, and runs from 10:30 to 4:00 pm. The town’s annual Halloween parade will follow afterward. Visit the festival’s website at http://www.phoenixvillepumpkinfest.com for full details and information on how to participate in the many competitions.

Pennypacker Mills – All Hallow’s Eve Festival
5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville, PA 19473
610-287-9349

Celebrate fall on the country estate of former Governor Samuel Pennypacker with an All Hallow’s Eve Festival on Sat., Oct. 15 from 1 to 4 pm. Let the kids jump in the hay, toss around some bean bags on the lawn or work the cider press. Make a fall craft, paint some pumpkins or shuck corn the old-fashioned way. Finish off the afternoon with a hayride and some refreshments. The event is free to everyone, but a $2 donation to fund the historic site is appreciated. http://www.montcopa.org/928/Pennypacker-Mills

Pumpkin Sale
October 2nd – 31st
654 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Pumpkin Patch is open every day through October 31st! Stop by and Get a great Pumpkin and support our children, too!

Scarecrow Fun

Norristown Farm Park – Scarecrow Making
2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown, PA 19401
610-270-0215

Join in the fun at a scarecrow making event on Sun., Oct. 16^th at 2 pm. at the Norristown Farm Park. There will be plenty of straw on hand to stuff your fall companion. Bring the clothes you want to use, something for the head (get creative) and a hat to top it all off. There will be a contest for the scariest, most creative and most original creations. The event is for adults and children ages 5 and up and pre-registration is required. There is a $5 fee for materials. Contact the park to register at 610-270-0215.