John R. Park Homestead annual Harvest and Horses Festival

By Deanna Bertrand

The grounds of John R. Park Homestead were filled with more than 20 horses of various breeds and sizes and many demonstrations of daily life for early settlers Sunday afternoon, October 27 for the Harvest and Horses Festival.

“Today we are celebrating our cultural roots,” said Kris Ives, curator of the John R. Park Homestead. 

“When Mr. and Mrs. Park lived here, almost 200 years ago now, horses were essential to harvest,” she explained. 

The one-day Harvest and Horses Festival brought in more than 1,000 people to the 1850s era 19-acre farm located at 915 County Road 50 East, Essex. 

Cars lined the roads around the homestead and at nearby Priscilla’s Presents, which offered a shuttle service to the festival, featuring many exhibits, vendors and pony rides by Sarah Parks Horsemanship.

A highlight of the event included the Crowd Favourite Awards for the horses. 

Taking home bragging rights were: first place Merlin the Gypsy Vanner; second Maui the Miniature Horse; and third Popeye the Appaloosa.

Among the many breeds of horses taking part in the show ring were Standardbred, Appaloosa, Fjord, Haflinger Morgan, Warlander. Mustangs, Quarter Horse, Shetlands, American Paint, Spotted Saddle Horse, the Gypsy Vanner, Miniature Dockey, Percheron and miniature horses.

The next big event at the homestead will be Sunday, December 1 with the Christmas in the Country from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature the official opening of the newly restored historic home.