The Township of Exeter Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual Fall Festival and Hayride at Daniel Boone Homestead on October 9.
Becky Richards, Deputy Director of Exeter Township Parks & Recreation, estimates that more than 1,500 people attended for the one-day event.
“It was a beautiful day that many of our friends and neighbors came to enjoy a beautiful fall day at the Daniel Boone Homestead,” said Richards.
Proceeds from the event benefit Daniel Boone Homestead Associates and the Township of Exeter Parks and Recreation Department to improve recreational opportunities in the community.
“The Daniel Boone property was a perfect backdrop for our fall festival and the property had volunteers providing demonstrations throughout the day in the Boone house,” she said.
The festival included cart rides, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a full day of fall-themed activities for kids and adults, plus a beer tent , cider and wine presented by the Friends of the Exeter community library. There was also live music from Troy Witman Rocks Acoustic, The Noah Gibney Trio and Tractor Jerry and the Mud Bucket.
“The Fall Festival & Hayride is a community event that we love to offer to our residents of the Township of Exeter,” said Richards. “Most of the activities were free for festival visitors, thanks to our local businesses, like the hay walk, live music all day, and so many fun activities for kids and families.”
Richards said what makes this event great is the support from the community.
“The Fall Festival is supported by many members of the community which really enhances the event,” she said.
In addition to local business sponsors, local groups like the Exeter Township Lions Club, Exeter Women’s Club and the Exeter Township Fire Company joined the event. Cub Scout Pack 319 helped with garbage collection in the festival area, and Boy Scout Troop 319 helped organize the games for the little ones.
“We also had many high school student volunteers who donated part of their Saturdays to help run the parking lot or help families and kids paint pumpkins or drive Tractor Barrel Cars,” said Richards. “Each of these groups and volunteers helped make this event a true community event in the Township of Exeter!
Many township programs were canceled last year due to the pandemic, including the Fall Festival and Hayride.
“We offered some new creative programs in 2020, like the Halloween Drive-Thru Spooktacular in our public works garage, which was so popular that we decided to offer it again this year,” said Richards. “Think of a large truck or treat, with the treats at the end of the drive-thru. “
For more information on upcoming Township of Exeter events, follow the Township of Exeter Parks and Recreation Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/exeterparksandrec.
