It’s hard not to feel sad about how fleeting summer in Maine is, we feel like we blinked an eye and the days are shorter and there is a distinct chill to the air in the morning. We have had a busy few months getting our new animal residents settled into their new homes and things are not slowing down with this list of fall events and activities!

But before we get into what events and activities to expect this fall we want share some exciting news. Last winter we began some changes in the Farmyard. New construction in our Education Barn made room for new year-round farm animals and more space for our visitors to interact with them. This fall we embark on our next project and can’t wait to tell you about it… Pineland Farms is building a Sugar House!

With the leaves starting to change color and the farmyard animals heading to local agricultural fairs for show season, the Family Farmyard is going to experience more growth as we prepare the location for our new Sugar House.

Starting September 11th we will be removing fencing and moving our old pig house so excavation and site work can commence September 16th.

We need to get the foundation poured before the frost and hopefully be ready for the 2020 sugaring season and one of our favorite Family Programs… Maple Sugaring. Sugar on snow anyone??

During our construction period some areas of the Family Farmyard will be closed to the public and we ask our visitors to help keep everyone safe by respecting all signage and closures. The Education Barn and Poultry Barn will remain open during construction periods and can be accessed from the doors that are closest to the parking lots. The peafowl, farmyard chickens, playhouse, slide and garden area will have limited access. All construction will be done Monday-Friday, so weekends will be the best time to experience fall in the Family Farmyard. Although this is a big project for us it won’t affect our fall events coming up.

The Corn Maze opens for the season on September 14^th from 10am-5pm (extended hours for after school fun!) Tickets are just $5pp and can be purchased at the Market and Welcome Center AND at the on farm ticket booth.

Our 6^th annual Harvest Festival is scheduled for September 28^th (rain date 9/29/19) from 10am-2pm We have a day packed with fall fun including our 4 acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple cider demos, farmers obstacle course, food trucks and live music from Sea Grass! Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door.

The Pumpkin Patch will open on September 28^th and be open daily until the end of October. Pumpkins are all $5 from the patch and if you don’t find your perfect squash, stop at the Market and check out their collection of carving pumpkins and mums!

Corn Maze Nights was such a success last year that we added an additional evening for fall 2019. Limited tickets are available for October 17^th, 18^th and 19^th to explore the corn maze by dark! The spooks will be light for this family friendly evening on the farm.

Our fall wouldn’t be complete without our scariest event of the year. Haunted Woods Walk 2019 will be October 25^th and 26^th and tickets always sell out! Tickets go on sale October 1^st if you dare to brave the haunted woods and take your chances through the spooky corn maze.

For more information about the changes ahead contact Education at 207.650.3031 or education@pinelandfarms.org