To the Editor:

Are you looking for some time in the crisp fall air when you can relish the colors of autumn colors and the earthy smell of fallen leaves?  Well, then come and join us at the second annual Harvest Festival at Switzkill Farm on Game Farm Road.

Hop on a hay wagon for a ride in the sun; build a life-size scarecrow for your Halloween pathway,  make s’mores over the open bonfire, or simply munch on a hot dog or hamburger grilled to perfection.  Supplied by the not-for-profit group Forever Rural, it’s all free (of course, donations are always welcome)!

Take a bite of a crisp apple, or wash down a cider doughnut pressed in our own hand-cranked press.  And listen to the sounds of John Rice and Friends as they play some tunes sure to get your toes tappin’! What better way can there be for enjoying a Saturday afternoon, in the middle of October, in the heart of the Helderbergs?

An orienteering meet will be ongoing all day.  Instruction for novices — kids and adults alike — will be offered between 10 and 10:30 a.m.; that’s all it takes!  Those interested can then go on and participate in the orienteering meet; a staggered beginning allows for the newly trained  to try their skills between 10 a.m. and noon. The more experienced participants will continue their quest for better times all afternoon.  Join the fun — no preregistration is necessary, and there’s sure to be a cadre of old hands to help you out!

So, com’on up the hill! Enjoy the fall foliage! Sample the taste of our harvest!  We’ll be there, waiting to welcome you from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.  We’ll keep the fire goin’ for ya!

Ted Kunker, chairman

Switzkill Farm

Berne