Kawartha Farmfest Returns This Fall With Nine Farms to Explore

By Scott Arnold

Fall is a pretty good time to get out and explore the countryside, and Kawartha Farmfest gives families nine different reasons to do just that.

Fall is a pretty good time to get out and explore the countryside, and Kawartha Farmfest gives families nine different reasons to do just that.

Kawartha Farmfest returns October 3rd, bringing visitors to nine farms and rural attractions across Kawartha Lakes. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

The 24th annual Kawartha Farmfest takes place Saturday, October 3rd, with nine farm families opening their properties to visitors from 10am to 4pm.

It’s a self-guided driving tour, so there’s no set route. Visitors can decide which stops they want to make and how much time they want to spend at each one. Admission is $5 for adults, while children under 14 are free.

And each farm has its own theme and activities.

At The Roost Farm near Brechin, it’s all about maple, with demonstrations, farm animals, wool work and fall scenery. Wagon rides, food and the farm market are also available for an additional cost. Located at 3314 Kirkfield Rd, Brechin.

At The Roost Farm near Brechin, it’s all about maple, with demonstrations, farm animals, wool work and fall scenery. Wagon rides, food and the farm market are also available for an additional cost. Located at 3314 Kirkfield Rd, Brechin.

The Roost Farm will celebrate all things maple during this year’s Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

Schaiwind Farm in Woodville is putting the spotlight on its sheep, including demonstrations of sheep shearing and sheep dog herding. Visitors can also meet the shepherd and learn about the farm’s solar grazing operation. Located at 84 Goose Lake Rd., Woodville.

Schaiwind Farm is one of nine stops featured during the 24th annual Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

If apples are more your thing, Holliday’s Farm Fresh Vegetables is offering pick-your-own apples from its dwarf orchard, with several varieties available. Ready-picked apples and products from the farm store will also be available. Located at 1641 Glenarm Rd., Woodville.

Visitors can explore Holliday’s Farm Fresh Vegetables during Kawartha Farmfest on October 3rd. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

At O’Brienview Farm in Cameron, visitors can walk through the certified organic farm, meet the cattle and poultry and learn more about organic farming. Fresh vegetables and frozen meat will be available for purchase. Located at 688 Country Lane, Cameron.

O’Brienview Farm will welcome visitors as part of this year’s Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

Sims Farm near Fenelon Falls will have its turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep and cattle on display, along with farm equipment and its farm store. There will also be a chance to purchase eggs, baked goods and a hot dog lunch. Located at 1394 Kawartha Lakes County Road 121 Fenelon Falls.

Sims Farm is among the nine participating farms taking part in Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

For those who don't mind getting a little lost, McQuaid’s Country Market near Omemee has a nine-acre corn maze, along with games, a scavenger hunt and a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. The farm market will also be stocked with pumpkins, squash, gourds and other local products. Located at 346 Peace Road, Omemee.

McQuaid’s Country Market will be one of the stops on the self-guided Kawartha Farmfest tour. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

Lunar Rhythm Gardens in Janetville will offer tours of its 15-acre organic farm, including its fields, greenhouses and other growing areas. Visitors can also see the farm animals and stop by the petting zoo, while fresh produce, meat, honey, preserves and apples will be available. Located at 253 Gray Road, Janetville.

Lunar Rhythm Gardens is opening its farm to visitors for this year’s Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

At Stellmar Farm in Little Britain, giant pumpkins take centre stage as the farm celebrates its 24th year of Pumpkinfest. There will be games, face painting, fall vendors and crafts, with a discounted haunted corn maze available to Farmfest visitors. Located at 136 Sandbar Road, Little Britain.

Stellmar Farm will celebrate its 24th year of Pumpkinfest during Kawartha Farmfest. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

And at Valentia Equestrian Centre, visitors can meet horses, sheep, goats, chickens, alpacas and other animals, explore the forest trail and mini maze, and take part in kids' activities. Pony rides and animal treats will be available for an additional cost. Located at 188 Valentia Road, Little Britain.

Valentia Equestrian Centre is one of nine farms welcoming visitors during Kawartha Farmfest on October 3rd. (Photo provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes via KawarthaLakes.ca)

With the farms spread throughout the Kawartha Lakes area, Farmfest is designed to be explored at your own pace. You can pick a few stops or try to see as many as possible in the six-hour event.

The event is rain or shine, although individual activities may change depending on the weather.

Some activities, food and farm products cost extra. Visitors should check the City of Kawartha Lakes website information before heading out for any last-minute changes to programming or individual sites.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

RMH Foundation's Thankful Hearts Walk Returns to Ross Memorial Hospital on October 1st

By Scott Arnold

For two former patients of Ross Memorial Hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, the upcoming Thankful Hearts Walk is a chance to give back to a service that helped them get moving again.

For two former patients of Ross Memorial Hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, the upcoming Thankful Hearts Walk is a chance to give back to a service that helped them get moving again.

Former cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patient and volunteer Sue Junkin will take part in Ross Memorial Hospital’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1, helping raise awareness and funds for the program that helped her recover following heart surgery (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

Sue Junkin first entered the program in 2018 following aortic valve replacement surgery. She initially wasn't convinced she needed rehabilitation, but after completing the 12-week program, she became such a supporter that she now volunteers, encouraging other patients and helping them feel comfortable.

“I was afraid after my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands,” Sue said.

She’ll be among those taking part in this year’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1st, which raises awareness and funds for Ross Memorial’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Former patient Les Hebbard will also be participating.

Two years ago, the 84-year-old was experiencing a lack of energy before a fall led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. He was referred to the rehabilitation program, where he took part in supervised exercise, including walking and building strength on a stationary bike.

Les said he appreciated the dedication of physiotherapist Lindsay Churcher and physiotherapy assistant Ruth Hopkins, who kept him motivated throughout the program. He continues to use the exercises they taught him.

Asked whether he would recommend the program to others, his answer is simple: “Definitely. Go try it and you’ll be going back.”

The Thankful Hearts Walk will begin at Ross Memorial Hospital with registration from 1:30pm to 2pm in the cafeteria. A warm-up starts at 2pm, followed by the 2km walk at 2:15pm. A shorter route will also be available.

Participants can collect donation and pledge forms through the RMH Cardiac Rehabilitation program or the RMH Foundation. Participants can register online where online fundraising is also available.


Scott Arnold
is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ice Boating On Historic Trent-Severn Waterway Anyone?

Similar to sail boats, some people actually go ice boating. This incredible photo was taken on the historic Trent-Severn Waterway in Kawartha Lakes. What a beauty—we just had to share.

[via Facebook.com/ExploreKawarthaLakes]

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