More than 600 Lakes Region community members of all ages enjoyed a fun day on the farm at Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia on Saturday during the nonprofit organization’s 9th Annual Harvest Festival.
Attendees at the event had a chance to explore the farm and learn about the education center’s successful WildQuest day camps, year-round public programs, school programs and nature-based preschool through a variety of fun activities. Inside the historic barn, there was face painting and craft areas where visitors made their own corn husk dolls, natural sun catchers, and nature headbands using plants and flowers gathered on the farm. Visitors met Jake the Ox and other livestock at the petting farm and there were also sing-alongs, sack races, bean bag tosses, and horse and tractor-drawn wagon rides to enjoy.
“It’s always wonderful to see so many people from the Lakes Region connecting with each other and with nature and having healthy outdoor fun at Prescott Farm. That’s what our programs are all about!” said Jude Hamel, Executive Director. “We’re grateful for all the community businesses that contributed to our 9th Annual Harvest Festival and all the volunteers who pulled together to help make it a success.” Thirty one volunteers contributed their time and energy to the event including seven volunteers from area businesses who helped with set-up on the Granite United Way’s “Day of Caring” earlier in the week, the Laconia High School Sachems Football Team who pitched-in to break-down and clean-up after the Harvest Festival, and others who helped throughout the day.