By: Fred Groves, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The great pumpkin just might make a stop in Maidstone this fall, and it could be at Denver’s Homestead.
Fall on the Farm brought families together for an evening of music, games, seasonal activities, and plenty of fall fun at the farm store and healing ranch on Lakeshore Road 103. Guests enjoyed the festive atmosphere, community spirit, and even the chance to see some giant pumpkins as the event celebrated the harvest season.
And expect owner Meaghan Miller to be ready to show you around and maybe even introduce you to her miniature goats, Moca and Latte.
The goats, the newest residents of the farm, were well received at the September 12 Open Farms, which was presented in part by Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island.
They were especially a big hit with the visiting Norman family.
“We enjoy doing the farm tour every year. We are going to go to seven of the stops. It’s close to our home, and they have good chicken here,” said dad, Andrew Norman.
“I think this is a great idea; they used to do it downtown. This is a lot better to bring people to the farm,” said Miller.
The homestead is named after her son Denver, who, if he decides, could be the fourth
generation to run the Miller farm, which dates back to 1946.
“It’s pretty neat. My son is a farrow farm kid so I can see that happening.”
The purpose of this year’s Open Farms was to educate the public about agricultural practices and history in Windsor-Essex. There were 16 stops on the rural tour, including Wagner’s Orchards, just down the road.
For Miller, who has an entrepreneurial flair for her business, it was a chance to sell some of her famous chicken, along with beef, bread, fresh eggs and some specialty items.
“I thought I could blaze my own trail. I saw people doing stuff and I thought I can do this my way.”
What sets Denver’s Homestead apart is that it is a safe haven for those who want to come out to the country and experience what rural life has to offer. Besides the goats, there are rabbits and chickens.
Miller prides her farm on being a healing ranch, and she has a certificate from Agriculture
Wellness Ontario, in which the training looks at mental health advocacy and suicide prevention programs for agricultural communities.
“ Living in a rural community, sometimes you might not feel that you have the best connection into the mental health society. It can be pretty isolated at times but this area is pretty populated.”
She added that it is important for neighbours to keep an eye out for one another, and she believes in the saying, see something, say something.
Fall on the Farm takes place Friday October 9th from 4:30 until 10 p.m. Families are encouraged to pick-your-own-pumpkins, enjoy fall treats, vendors and music.
For more info, visit denver’shomestead.com