Every autumn, as the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, Strohmer’s Farm in Woodstock becomes a lively hub for its annual Fall Festival & Farm Tour. This year is special as the farm celebrates its 10th anniversary of the event.
What started in 2014 as a simple gathering of friends and family has become a beloved local tradition. The Strohmer siblings — Bud, Dee, Richard and Brenda — initially set out to bring people together to enjoy the harvest season. With homemade decorations, hayrides and pumpkin picking, the first festival laid the foundation for a decade-long celebration.
“The decision to hold a fall festival stemmed from our desire to celebrate the harvest season and share the beauty of our farm with the community,” says Brenda who, along with helping run the farm, also spearheads the event. “We are a real working farm, so our venue is surrounded by the ongoing activities around harvesting time. This provides visitors with an authentic experience of farm life, allowing them to see firsthand what happens on a farm during the fall.”
Over the years, the festival, along with other agritourism events, has expanded beyond its simple roots. The fall fest now offers a wide range of activities, including a food truck that features products straight from their farm, an evening Haunted Trail and educational workshops on sustainable farming. Plus, visitors can get up-close with the farm animals. These additions have turned the event into a multifaceted experience for all ages.
The event has pluses for both the farm and the community. “The Fall Festival benefits our farm by diversifying our income and allowing us to connect directly with the community. It brings in visitors who may not have otherwise experienced farm life, and it helps educate them on the importance of supporting local agriculture.” Dee says. “For the community, it offers a fun and educational event that strengthens local bonds, supports small businesses, and promotes awareness of where our food comes from. It’s a win-win for both the farm and the community.”
By welcoming visitors to experience farming firsthand, Strohmer’s Farm Fall Festival & Farm Tour helps to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, fostering a greater appreciation for agriculture.
Hungry for more? Read about another fall farm destination. Learn more about agritourism.
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