Pick your own pumpkin, corn stalks for decorating, corn maze and giant sand pile are only a few of the activities that took place at the Parkin Farm on Saturday, September 24.
In its 8th year, Owen Sound Harvest for Hunger held “Fall Day at the Farm”, after a two-year hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic. A scaled down version saw hundreds of people at the farm on Grey Road 11 just outside Owen Sound. The by-donation event saw a steady stream of families starting before 10 a.m. through until almost 4. Visitors of all ages tried their luck in the corn maze, and other popular attractions were bouncy cow, face painting, barrel train, horse and wagon rides, matchbox car racing, as well as a large display by the Inter Township Fire Department and Stewart’s Towing. Musical entertainment was also provided for those who just wanted to sit, relax, and enjoy the environment. Extrication demonstrations were also found to be interesting by many. Pie was a very popular choice for many, and the dozens of homemade pies were sold out by 2 p.m.
The event itself brought in over $10,000 in donations. All of this money, as well as proceeds from the crops grown by the Torrie and Parkin families, and other donations throughout the year, will be forwarded to Canadian Foodgrains. This year, money to purchase food is headed to Yemen, a country where many people are displaced, due to conflict. Some of this money will also be used for agricultural and livelihood training in Niger. The Canadian government matches any money used for food assistance 4:1, and 2:1 for training programs.
Volunteers from the Owen Sound Alliance Church, in particular their high school youth group, served up ice cream, pie, and hot dogs. Some of the youth also assisted people in picking their pumpkins and even carried them out to the vehicles, as well as face painting. This was a day of serving for the youth, something they took seriously and did a tremendous job of, while having fun doing so.
A big thank you to everyone who came out and gave so generously to support Owen Sound Harvest for Hunger. Special thanks to the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event happen.
To learn more about Harvest for Hunger and how you can donate, please contact:
Heather or Larry Parkin
519-376-5996
owensoundharvestforhunger@gmail.com
www.owensoundharvestforhunger.ca
