Celebrate Fall Traditions at the Homestead’s Harvest and Horses Festival

Essex – A favourite fall tradition returns! The Harvest and Horses Festival is back at the John R. Park Homestead on Sunday, October 18, 2026, welcoming families to experience the beauty and bounty of autumn - 1850s style.

“This festival celebrates many of our local fall traditions,” says Kris Ives, Homestead Curator and Education Coordinator. “For early settlers, harvest was one of the most important times of the year, providing a chance to reap the rewards of their hard work and prepare for the long winter ahead. Horses were central to harvest activities in the time of John and Amelia Park. This event celebrates all things autumn and the horses that made harvest possible almost 200 years ago.”

Costumed interpreters will bring the 1850s to life at a variety of outdoor stations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy an old-fashioned autumn celebration with cider pressing, sausage stuffing, seasonal crafts, pony rides, traditional games, and pioneer demonstrations. Visitors especially enjoy meeting the horses and their owners up close, and families can test their skills on the popular Hobby Horse Agility Course. With activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the day’s highlights is the Parade of Horses, which will take place at 1:00 p.m. and is repeated at 3:00 p.m. and will feature more than 15 breeds of horses. Horses will be shown ridden, in-hand, and put to cart. Visitors can vote for their favourite entry to win the 2026 Parade of Horses People's Choice Award.

Throughout the day, children can enjoy pony rides for $5 each, provided by Sarah Parks Horsemanship. Inside the historic horse barn, guests can explore an equine artifact display and learn more about the important role horses played in pioneer life. Families can also take a photo at the harvest-themed selfie station and get hands-on at the homesteading skills stations. Hot lunch will be available for purchase from Scotty’s BBQ food booth and Little Foot Foods, and sweet treats can be found at Christine’s Bake Shop booth.

Admission to the festival is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children aged 3 to 12, and $6.00 for seniors aged 65 and over. A family rate is available for $30.00, for up to six people. Visitors are encouraged to skip the line and pre-order tickets online at https://essexregionconservation.ca/harvest. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door, and admission is included with a Seasonal Pass. Please no dogs at this event; only papered service animals are permitted at this event. 

The John R. Park Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, at the corner of Iler Road, along the scenic shores of Lake Erie. As this is a popular event, off-site parking will be available at Priscilla’s Presents, just north of the Homestead on Iler Road. A complimentary shuttle will run between the parking area and the event site from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Media Attached: Murdo McLean of Harrow showing his Percheron in the Parade of Horses at the Harvest and Horses Festival