FREEPORT — Wolfe’s Neck Farm will host some popular fall activities for members and friends, starting with the 13th annual Harvest Dance on Saturday, Oct. 3, and followed by the Family Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 17.

In addition to the two special events, each weekend in October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., children are invited to take a pumpkin hayride.

Tim Kittredge, executive director of Wolfe’s Neck Farm, said the harvest dance started as a community event to thank neighbors for their support when the Wolfe’s Neck Farm foundation took over the farm operation from the University of Maine in 1997.

“Each year since then, the dance has grown and grown, and has been well received by the community,” he said. 

Wendy and Alex Caisse, Freeport residents and owners of Buck’s Naked BBQ, will cater the event. Food will include Wolfe’s Neck Farm Natural beef brisket, beans, cornbread, pasta salad and dessert.

Kittredge said the event is for adults 21 and older and Gritty McDuff’s will provide locally brewed beverages for the guests.

Jerks of Grass will perform in Mallett Barn, and dancing is encouraged.

“This is the second biggest fundraiser of the year,” Kittredge said. “It benefits the farm, and is fun for everybody.”

The tickets for the dance are $35 per person and will be used to support farm programs and operation. Tickets can be purchased at Buck’s Naked BBQ on Route 1 and at Gritty McDuff’s on Main Street in Freeport.

Amy Yankee, chairwoman of the Friends of the Farm, said the Family Fall Festival is geared toward children and will include educational activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The goal is to bring people to the farm and teach them the importance of sustainable agriculture,” she said. “Education and environmental preservation are central themes of the farm.”

Yankee said children can participate in a scavenger hunt and learn about seeds and how to store and reuse them. She said there will be displays on how to use worms to compost, and nature weaving. In addition to the educational piece, children will be able to take hayrides, play on a tractor, decorate pumpkins and have their faces painted.

“Last year there were between 600 and 800 people that came to the event,” Yankee said. “It is a lot of fun and allows the farm to continue its educational programming.”

She said there will be discounted memberships available, and a raffle for the Do-It-Yourself and the winter lecture series, the Farmer for a Morning program, and an elementary after school program. All proceeds will support the educational activities at the farm.

Yankee said with so many people expected to come to the Fall Family Festival, volunteers are always needed. If interested in helping with the children’s activities, call the farm at 865-4469.

Tickets for the fall festival are $5 per person, or $20 of a family of four or more.

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net

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Jerks of Grass will perform at the 13th annual Harvest Dance in Freeport on Oct. 3. Band members Jason Phelps, left, and Carter Logan perform while Freeport resident Sheila Towne dances on stage at the Mallett Barn last year. In addition to music and dancing, Buck’s Naked BBQ will cater the event and serve smoked brisket, cornbread and beans. Gritty McDuff’s will provide the beer.

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