Ford House will host its annual Harvest Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 5 p.m., featuring 80 local makers, artisans and craftspeople, the event’s largest vendor lineup yet after growing from 30 vendors two years ago to 60 last year.
Guests can stroll the property’s fall colors along Lake St. Clair and shop handmade goods across categories including cottage food, home decor, jewelry, art and plants. The event’s straw pyramid also returns this year for younger guests to climb and play on. Children can enjoy the petting zoo, games, face painting and air brush tattoos, along with Benson’s Backyard, a new nature-inspired play area on Bird Island created to honor Benson Ford, Sr. A mobile aviary will also be on site, and families can stop for photos throughout the grounds. The lakeside setting and fall color offer scenic photo opportunities throughout the afternoon.
Guests can also pre-purchase a six-pack of Blake’s Apple Cider Donuts and a half-gallon of Blake’s Apple Cider to enjoy during the event or take home as a fall treat.
This year, Harvest Day will include a donation drive in partnership with Macomb Foster Closet, collecting clothing and hygiene items. Guests can bring and drop off their donations on the day of the event.
“Harvest Day keeps growing because our community keeps showing up for it,” said Mark J. Heppner, President & CEO of Ford House. “Growing from 30 vendors to 80 over the past two years reflects real demand, both from the artisans who want to be part of this marketplace and the visitors who return every fall to shop it. We’re excited to welcome guests along new accessible pathways this year, so more of our community can enjoy the grounds together.”
New this year, a universally accessible path begins at the Visitor Center and continues along Ford Cove to the Powerhouse and Main Residence. The path extends to, but not past, the bridge to Bird Island, giving visitors more opportunities to explore the grounds during Harvest Day.
Tickets
Ford House Friends: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 17
Public: $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 3 to 17
Children ages 2 and under are admitted free.
Tickets are limited and available at fordhouse.org/events/harvest-day/.