GREENFIELD VILLAGE CELEBRATES AUTUMN WITH IT ANNUAL 'FALL COLOR FESTIVAL'
Festival runs September 27 - October 31 with special Fall Harvest Days set for Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 2-5
As the trees change into their fall colors of reds, yellows and oranges and there is a crisp feel in the air, Greenfield Village welcomes autumn with its annual Fall Color Festival. Special programs fill the Village from September 27 - October 31 including cooking demonstrations, historic autumnal food tastings, Contra Dancing and more. Also returning is Fall Harvest Days, set for September 27-28 and October 2-5. During these special weekends, visitors can see fields being harvested, learn how historic steam operated machinery prepares crops and understand how our ancestors prepared their fields and homes for the coming winter season.
Fall Color Festival - September 27 - October 31
Visitors to Greenfield Village will see thousands of maples, oaks and other village trees in their autumnal splendor, experience traditional wool dyeing demonstrations, observe the harvesting of crops and other daily chores.
New this year is the celebration of traditional fall recipes in homes throughout the village. Visitors will see the special recipes made in their traditional surroundings in such homes as the Henry Ford Birthplace, the Susquehanna Plantation, the Firestone Farmhouse and the Daggett Farmhouse. Once their appetite is whetted, they can venture to the village's A Taste of History Restaurant to sample some of the historic recipes.
Also new is a 1915 Hallowe'en celebration at the Edison Homestead. Visitors will step back in time throughout weekends in October and see how our ancestors celebrated the spooky season. The Edison Homestead will be decorated with traditional Hallowe'en tricks and treats including a wonderful variety of reproduction crepe paper creations with colorful displays showcasing the bounty of autumn.
Whether the mode of transportation is by foot, by steam-powered locomotive, on one of the village's horse-drawn carriages, or in a Model T, visitors can experience the open air and the changing season by taking a scenic tour through Greenfield Village.
Fall Harvest Days - September 27-28 and October 2-5
Firestone Farm comes alive with the hum of the harvest season. Watch as the farmers plow the fields for the winter crops and operate a variety of early farm machinery including an entire steam-powered threshing rig.
During Fall Harvest Days in Greenfield Village, capture the spirit of this wondrous time with special demonstrations and hands-on activities including:
* Ox Driving 101 - learn some of the basics of driving Jeb and Sam, our team of oxen.
* Games of the Harvest - join in on some harvest time fun in traditional games.
* Home-Made Toys - all it takes is some corn husks and string to make your own ever-popular Corn Husk Doll. Weekends only.
* Wool Dyeing - see how an 18th century farm wife brought color into her life by using plants, seeds, and roots collected from the nearby woods and fields.
American Contra Dancing - September 27-28 and weekends in October - inside Town Hall at Greenfield Village
A favorite pastime of Henry Ford's, contra-dancing is similar to square dancing, but performed in two facing lines formed by several couples. This special program will include quadrilles and contra dances from the most current authors as well as couple dances. Also included will be contra dances from Henry Ford's 1926 "Good Morning" dance book. No experience necessary. Just walk right up and learn to dance!
Fall programming is free with admission to Greenfield Village. Ticket prices are $18 adults, $17 seniors, $12 for children, ages 5-12. Under five and members free. The village is open 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.
The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan was founded in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford. This history destination includes Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour (opening in spring 2004). The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, is the history destination that brings the American Experience to life. For more information and admission prices please visit our website http://www.thehenryford.org
