Everyone
loves autumn. The leaves turn colour; the air is crisp; and outdoor fun
can be enjoyed by everyone. Now that Valley East Days has come and gone,
it is time for the 2nd big event of the season - the 4th
Annual Fall Festival hosted by Holla’s Produce & Greenhouse on
Martin Road in Blezard Valley. The festival is held at this time every
year to kick off Agricultural Week in Ontario, which runs from October 3
to 9.
Carole Holla, shown in the picture at one of her
displays, her husband, Paul, and a large contingent of friends and
relatives invite residents of the community to bring along the entire
family to take part in a wide variety of events between the hours of 10
and 4 p.m., on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1.
"The day is really geared to the kids,"
explained Carole. "We will once again have some of the more popular
activities from past years, such as the hay maze, hay jump, pony rides,
and the Spook Room."
In addition there will be a small petting zoo,
complete with turkeys, chickens, rabbits and goats. Chili and beans will
be available for lunch and you will even have a chance to pick up some
excellent produce at the on-site farmers market.
Pat Marcotte, President of the Sudbury Agra Foods
Association will have a display set up in support of local farmers and
an area distributor will have fresh honey for sale to the public. As
well, several local artisans will have their folk art on display.
Admission is free, but you are asked to bring a can of
non-perishable food which will be donated to the local food banks in
time for Thanksgiving. The community is grateful that Holla’s Produce
& Greenhouse opens up its property to residents at this time of year
as a way of allowing people to get a close-up look at the country. If
past years are any indication, the crowds will be gathering all weekend
long as hundreds of visitors take advantage of the Holla hospitality.
This is the 2nd opportunity we have had
this year to visit local farms. Earlier in the summer the Country Roads
Tour was organized by five other farms.