The 25th Fall Family Days at the Octagon Barn is almost here and this year the theme will be Farm Family Life. Visit the Octagon Barn, Purdy home, school and grounds that will take you back and view what life was like in the early 20th century. Memories of old are of animals, good hearty food, long hours and the constant worry about the weather, insects, the price of crops and, of course, the tractors!
Fall Family Days, one of the most popular events at the Thumb Octagon Barn, is held every year on the weekend after Labor Day. The event draws thousands of visitors as we step back in time and enjoy what rural life was like back in the early 1900s.
Lots of food, entertainment, vendors featuring handcrafted items, antiques and flea market, are open both Saturday and Sunday. Just some of the activities include the blacksmith demonstrations, apple cider press, powerhouse with steam engine, sawmill and farm machinery in operation. Children’s activities include barrel train rides and a special presentation of the Barn Yard Puppets. And let’s not forget tours of the Octagon Barn and Tractor Parade.
The Thumb Octagon Barn is located in Tuscola County, approximately one mile east of the village of Gagetown off Bay City-Forestville Road, one mile north of Richie Road.
Admission is $5 for ages six and older. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
And don’t forget the annual All You Can Eat Fish Fry on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 4-7 p.m.
—Fall Family Days organizers, Octagon Barn
