Freeman’s Farm will welcome visitors Saturday, Oct. 24, for Genoa Township’s annual Fall Fest, following an August fire that destroyed a township storage building and temporarily closed the property.

The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at the historic farm, 6142 Lewis Center Road in Galena. The farm is now under new management, according to the township's event page.

A late-night blaze on Aug. 24 fully engulfed a township storage barn that held snowplow blades, tractor attachments, fencing and timber, the Delaware Source reported. No one was injured. The park's historic barn was spared, but the farm was closed while officials investigated.

"At that point, our goal was to protect any other exposed buildings and get the fire under control," Genoa Fire Chief Joseph Ponzi told the Delaware Source in August. Multiple mutual-aid agencies responded, including departments from Westerville, Orange Township and Harlem Township.

The 43.79-acre property has been preserved as township parkland. The Freeman family owned the farm for five generations, dating to 1868.

What to expect Oct. 24

Activities include hayrides, pedal cars, a corn kernel pit, a farm animal petting zoo, balloon twisting, caricature drawings and a visit from the Bug Man with live insects, 1808 Delaware reported. Children can collect candy at a Trick or Treat Village and decorate a free miniature pumpkin.

Live music by Gipson & Fitz featuring Gary Puckett plays in a wooded clearing. The Dance Space performs a Halloween Mashup at 1 p.m. Brutus Buckeye and other local mascots appear from 1 to 2 p.m.

A costume contest begins at 2 p.m., hosted by DJ Justice, also known as Genoa Township Deputy Police Chief Denman. Prizes from The Alpha Group's Binable Store go to the spookiest costume, most creative costume, judges' choice and best runway walk. Every participant gets a small prize.

Food vendors include Kat's Kraft BBQ, Tacomania, Al's Delicious Popcorn and Sofi's Mini Donuts. Boy Scout Troop 84 sells carving and decorative pumpkins. A craft and farmers market features local vendors with candles, holiday decorations, books, baked goods and more.

Local author Karen Meyer will sign copies of her book Choosing Sides at the Delaware County District Library's mobile library booth.

Getting there

Limited grass parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA-accessible spaces are reserved in the gravel lot.

Delaware Area Transit runs a shuttle from Genoa Baptist Church, 7562 Lewis Center Road in Westerville. This year the township doubled the shuttle fleet to two vehicles. Shuttles begin at 11 a.m. and the last return trip leaves the farm at 4 p.m.

The event surface is primarily grass and gravel. A fully accessible mobile restroom, provided by the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is new this year.

Organizers encourage families to wear costumes and bring bags for collecting candy. Volunteers are still needed for crafts, games and candy distribution; registration is available at GenoaTwp.com.

Saturday, Oct. 24 | Noon–3 p.m. | Freeman's Farm, 6142 Lewis Center Road, Galena | Shuttle from Genoa Baptist Church starts at 11 a.m.