Celebrate the harvest season at the 39th annual Heritage Days Festival at Malabar Farm State Park. Hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), this popular festival is one of Ohio’s largest free outdoor craft and living history festivals. This free family event will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Traditional highlights of the Heritage Days festival include 75 traditional crafters that feature their works in weaving, woodworking, spinning, quilting and broom making. The event also showcases a range of 18th century demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, musket shooting and pioneer cooking.
Local community nonprofit organizations will be on hand offering a variety of foods, including a wide variety of sandwiches, root beer floats, Amish meats and cheeses, bean soup, funnel cakes and more. Additionally, Malabar’s smokehouse will be operational, and naturalists will be offering free samples each afternoon at 1 p.m.
Other displays and events include:
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Free tours by knowledgeable volunteers of the Big House’s lower level during the festival hours.
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The Malabar Antique Tractor Club will display vintage Willis jeeps, antique tractors and many other types of antique farm machinery.
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The Spirit of Friends Antique and Primitive show will also feature crafters and antique booths in the main barn on Saturday.
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Continuing a Bromfield tradition, a square dance will be held on Saturday night from 7-10 p.m. in the main barn beside the Big House. Music will be provided by the Back Porch Swing Band. Experienced and beginner dancers are welcome. There is a $1 admission for the barn dance, ages 12 through adult.
Malabar Farm was the dream of the Pulitzer-prize winning author and conservationist, Louis Bromfield. During his life, Malabar Farm served as a getaway destination for many Hollywood stars of the 40s and 50s and was also where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall got married. Ohio accepted the deed to Malabar Farm in August 1972 to preserve the beauty and ecological value of the farm, and the property became a state park in 1976. Malabar Farm State Park is dedicated to perpetuating Bromfield’s farming philosophies, preserving the Big House and the artifacts within, as well as providing a place for visitors to explore farm life and the beauty of nature.
Malabar Farm State Park is located at 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, Ohio 44843. Call 419-892-2784 for more information.
For people interested in making their visit to Heritage Days a weekend trip, contact Mohican Lodge and Conference Center, located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, Ohio 44864, at 800-282-7275 to reserve a room. Mohican State Park is located at 3116 State Route 3, Loudonville, Ohio 44842, which is near Malabar Farm State Park.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
