MILLSTONE – Residents and guests are invited to visit an historic property for a seasonal event in Millstone Township.
The Thomas Baird Homestead, 24 Baird Road, will host the annual Harvest Fest on Oct. 15 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Admission is $5. The event is presented by the Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties.
According to information provided by the Friends, the Harvest Fest will feature pumpkin picking, face art, animal displays, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a scenic hay ride and a tour of the historic Thomas Baird house.
The blacksmith shop at the homestead will be open and working. Games at the event will include cornhole, horseshoes, a pumpkin ring toss and a football throw. On display will be entries and winners from the Millstone Elementary Art Contest. Musical entertainment will be provided by students of Cornerstone Music Studios, Millstone Township.
There will be a pig roast dinner for $10, which includes pulled pork, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, corn, a piece of pie and a bottle of water. Hot dogs, corn, popcorn and cotton candy will be available for purchase separately.
The homestead is the former residence of Thomas Baird, the son of Revolutionary War veteran David Baird, who built the house on the homestead around 1830.
Baird and his family grew wheat, rye and corn on the property. They were among the first families in Millstone to plant extensive orchards. The Baird family eventually grew fruit trees and large ornamental trees which were shipped by train to Maryland and Delaware, according to the Friends.
Baird was a founder and the first vice president of the Monmouth County Agricultural Society, which was formed in 1853. He was elected as a county freeholder.
“Harvest Fest is a great reason to come visit the Baird house and see the progress that has been made toward restoring the homestead,” said Randie Rubenstein, the co-chair of the Friends’ fundraising committee. “We hope to see our old friends and make some new ones over great food and fall fun.”