GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Thatcher Farms is introducing something new to the annual Fall Rural Romp event for 2022.
The new addition will take place rain or shine on Sept. 24 from 11am to 3pm and is part of Wellington County’s 16th Annual Fall Rural Romp, organized by the Taste Real local food programme.
“This is our 14th year,” farm owner Dana Thatcher said. “And it’s really special because of what we are offering this year.”
Nineteen Romp locations in southern Wellington County and Guelph are open to the public from 10am until 4pm highlighting local food and farm experiences.
Participating locations include Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch.
This year, Thatcher Farms is hosting a performance from Mary Francis Leahy, fiddler, pianist, dancer, composer and daughter of renowned fiddlers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy.
“They are world class fiddlers,” Thatcher explained. “So to be able to have them on our farm and to sing and do a Celtic concert for people is really unique.”
“Typically, we offer free live music … but this is really special.” Thatcher added.
Gilbert’s Deli food truck will be on site to provide sandwiches and soup and visitors can also take a walk through the corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Visitors will have a chance to enjoy their lunch in the farm’s brand-new wedding venue and enjoy the countryside views.
“Our farm is very private, and our venue is situated right in the countryside view,” Thatcher explained. “So it’s really beautiful.”
After three long years of planning and building Thatcher said she’s looking forward to welcoming people into the new space.
“It’s great to have weddings, but my heart really lies in doing live music and great food,” she explained. “So this is really near and dear to my heart having people enjoy the space
“And food is such a big part of everything we do here,” she added. “So not only do we farm but now we have this beautiful venue that we can showcase food and drink as well.”
The schedule for the Sept. 24 event is as follows: a food truck will be on site from noon to 3pm; live music will be available 1 to 3pm; and the corn maze will be accessible from 11am to 3pm.
Ticket price is $25/person or family bundles for $85/four tickets and tickets at the door are $30/person.
Ticket price includes live music and corn maze admission and are available at www.thatcher-farms.com.
Rural Romp participants are encouraged to share their Rural Romp adventures on social media using the hashtags #RuralRomp and #tastereal. For locations, to download or request a map, or for more information, visit www.tastereal.ca.
