Taking class outdoors: Children’s Farm Festival held in Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The annual Children’s Farm Festival was held at Peden Farm in Bloomington — bringing thousands of students and volunteers to the farm Sept. 29-30.

The festival began in the 1950s. Now it’s hosted by Joe Peden and his wife, Joyce, who have seen the event grow each year.

There’s a true sense of community at the farm. Extension educators, Farm Bureau members, firefighters, farmers and many others come together to share what they love most with the students.

The farm is a sensory haven — the perfect place to learn about the diverse, rich heritage of Indiana agriculture.

Touch: Students could hold chicks, pet horses or llamas, touch pumpkins and feel the autumn breeze as they learned about harvest on the farm.

Sight: Arrowheads, mason jars of corn seed, herbs grown in jars, miniature ponies — around each corner was something new to observe.

Sound: Students heard tractors starting, historians sharing stories and much more. Each station was a chance to learn something new.

Smell: From the smell of hay on the hayride to the goldenrod growing near fence posts, the fresh country air is relaxing.

Taste: Freshly popped popcorn and cold apple cider were served to give students a taste of Indiana-grown snacks.

Here’s a peek inside the event.