Families filled the grounds of the Heritage Farmstead Museum Saturday, October 10 to take a step back in time.
It was the third year for the Annual FarmFest and an opportunity to recall Plano’s farming history and 19th century life on the Blackland Prairie of north Texas.
The day included a variety of games, exhibits, and contests. From pie eating to hog calling and rooster crowing visitors competed for ribbons and bragging rights for a day. My Possibilites Executive Director Michael Thomas emceed the competitions and congratulated the contestants on their good voice and voratious appetites.
Longtime museum supporter Page Thomas, who installed the farmstead’s original blacksmith shop and donated many of the tools and much of the equipment, was on hand at the forge discussing the smithy’s trade.
Page Thomas, blacksmith at the Heritage Farmstead Museum Plano
The Wylie Tractor Club hosted an exhibit of antique farm implements ending the afternoon with a parade of vintage tractors through the grounds. And Five Star Ford sponsored the Haystack Challenge which saw contestants scramble through a giant haystack searching for the key to an F-150 pickup truck. The winner getting the use of the shiny new 150 for a weekend. An enthusiastic Garrett Alldredge dove head first into the pile of straw and after an extended search emerged victorious, key in hand. No word on how Garrett will spend his weekend but it probably won’t be hauling hay.
Musical entertainment in the pole barn came from violinist Brenna Campbell and singer songwriter Troy Cartwright.
It wouldn’t be a farm without animals. In addition to the Farmstead’s regular cast of furry and feathered characters this year visitors could meet the world record holding tallest donkeys Romulus and Remus.
If you missed this special event don’t forget the museum offers a variety of tour options Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including guided tours of the 19th century Victorian Farrell Wilson house.
Heritage Farmstead Museum
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Sunday: Grounds open from 10:00am till 4:30pm
Location:
Heritage Farmstead Museum
1900 W 15th St, Plano, Texas
A docent will take you on a guided tour of the Farrell Wilson house, the grounds, and outbuildings.
- Tuesday – Sunday at 1:30pm
- Docent Guided House Tours – $7.00 per person*
- Students and children – $5.00 per person*
- Children 4 and under – Free
- Museum members – Free
Self Guided Tours:
Self guided tours include the grounds, animal viewing, and outside of buildings. Self guided tours do not include access to the Farrell-Wilson House, the Young House, or the School House. A printed guide is available.
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am-4:30pm
- $3.00 per person
- Children 2 and under are free
Contact: 972-881-0140
Website: heritagefarmstead.org
Photography by Mike Newman.
