2023 Farmfest takes place at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Jul. 8—Agriculture was highlighted in many ways during the 2023 Farmfest on July 8 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland.
The event, which went from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., also provided an ideal opportunity to visit Farmpark, because all guests were admitted free.
Lake Metroparks waives entry fees to Farmfest each year as an expression of gratitude, said Farmpark Events Manager Andy McGovern.
"Farmfest is kind of our big thank you to the community for supporting us, supporting the parks," McGovern said. "It also gives people who maybe traditionally would not come to Farmpark an opportunity to be educated on where their food and fiber comes from."
This year's event featured educational programs such as "Wonders of Wool" and a "Let it Rot" compost tour at the site's Plant Science Center. Guests also could watch demonstrations of horse grooming and cheesemaking.
Other visitors enjoyed themselves by looking at and socializing with the cows, sheep and other animals that reside at Farmpark, which is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road.
Gary DeGeorge and his family viewed the animals in Farmpark's Barnyard during the first hour of the 2023 festival.
"We come out every year," DeGeorge said. "The kids really enjoy the animals, and just all that Farmpark has to offer."
Gary visited Farmfest with his with Julie; the couple's 8-year-old son, Dylan; and 6-year-old daughter, Abrielle. The family lives in Conneaut.
A display of antique tractors at Farmfest also captured the attention of many visitors. Mason Polena of Concord Township, who's 2 1/2 years old, hopped into the seat of a 1943 John Deere Model B tractor, grasped the steering wheel, and did his best imitation of a grown-up farmer.
Mason attended event with his parents, Jim and Kari Polena.
Kari said she also enjoyed the atmosphere at Farmfest.
"I grew up around tractors and barns in rural Wisconsin, so this feels like home," she said.
Visitors who worked up an appetite at Farmfest could place orders at concession stands with menus that mentioned items such as Texas steakburgers, grilled chicken pita wraps, corn dogs and deep-fried Oreos.
Debonne Vineyards and Double Wing Brewery also offered wine and beer to guests of legal age.
In addition, Farmfest presented live music between 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., performed by a lineup of four bands: Pieces of Eight, Sumrada, Blue Evolution and the East Wind Band.
