Did you know that Newtown Square is home to a sprawling 240-acre hidden gem on Bishop Hollow Rd? Perhaps you’ve noticed some sheep grazing in a pasture on your way to the Newtown Edgmont Little League fields. Or you may have seen the sign on the side of the road that says “Garrett Williamson.” But have you ever wondered what is nestled around the curve and down the long driveway?
Tucked away from all of Newtown Square’s noisy roadwork and never-ending construction is a peaceful slice of hometown pride, where the oldest structure on the property was built in 1692! If you’re curious, you’ll have the opportunity to check it out yourself this fall as Garrett Williamson hosts its 6th annual Harvest Festival.
Everyone is invited to the family-friendly festivities from 11am–3pm on Saturday, October 17th. Visitors will enjoy hayrides, pumpkin decorating, children’s games, garden activities and, new this year, an animal showcase featuring highland cows! And if you’re hungry, food truck offerings and refreshments will be available for purchase.
The Harvest Festival is Garrett Williamson’s largest fundraiser of the year. Last year’s Harvest Festival raised nearly $45,000 for Garrett Williamson’s Agricultural Education Programs. Proceeds this year will again directly support these programs, helping to ensure that Garrett Williamson’s historic farming environment continues to thrive in an increasingly urban setting. Garrett Williamson is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture loving and respectful connections between people and nature by utilizing its extraordinary property as a dynamic canvas for learning.
Since the mid-1980s, the Garrett Williamson Preserve has been home to Garrett’s Way Childcare and Learning Center, serving infants from six weeks of age through kindergarten. And every summer, there’s Camp Garrett, which serves youth ages 5 through 15. These award-winning programs take place on a beautiful 240-acre property alongside alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. There is also a working farm that grows crops of fruits, vegetables and flowers on the premises and, from May through September, is home to the Newtown Square Farmers Market.
Admission is $18 per person on the day of the event, but pre-sale tickets are available on the Garrett Williamson website for only $13 per person. Children aged two and under can attend for free. Join others in the community for a fun, family-friendly fall experience that also supports a good cause.
The presenting sponsor for this year’s Harvest Festival is Rogers & Rogers. The event is also made possible with the support of additional corporate and individual sponsors, including The Haverford Trust, Custer & Custer, The Driscoll Family, Novick Brothers Corp., Videon, Casey’s Public House, KDI Office Technology, Total Security Solutions, Weeds Inc., S D Hansell, Evolution Payroll, Nolan Painting, Rachel Most, J. Lorber Company, Turn Dial and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Corporate and individual opportunities are still available. If you want to learn more, email Billy Thompson at Dev.Director@garrettwilliamson.org.
Garrett Williamson is located at 395 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square. For more information about how to get involved, please call 610-353-7690 or visit GarrettWilliamson.org