Heritage village plans new fall celebration

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A Harvest Moon Festival is planned for Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23 at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington. The event replaces the former Grand History Days and offers several new seasonal activities, including pumpkin painting and haunted hayrides. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days.

When children arrive, they will receive a tally sheet for visiting various activity stations inside and outside the village buildings. The activities are designed to acquaint children with chores and leisure activities of the early 1900s. Costumed interpreters will lead the activities and staff the buildings.

Children will be invited to paint pumpkins, make cornhusk, wooden boats and ghost lollipops, shell corn, make rope, peel apples and make applesauce, take a hayride to pick field corn and more. Haunted hayrides will be offered after 6 p.m. A harvest dance will be held in the fire barn at 6 p.m. Friday. A model railroad will operate in the Ahlberg Hall Museum where visitors can view a variety of exhibits. Fall skits and photo opportunities will be available.

Hot and cold food and beverages will be available in the drug store. Candy and hand crafted items will be sold in the gift shop. Area author Gordon Fredrickson will be on hand to sell and autograph his Halloween and Christmas books as well as his farm books for children.

The village is located at the Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th St. W., in Farmington. For information or to volunteer, call 651-460-8050.

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