Google Calendar

We'll be in front of the gate ahead of opening and enter together at 10. You are on your own from there! Sign up here to reserve your spots. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rFq_w7L8xnI0mH3PNh5wuzzyLoRi6f5UUKEwOLKK-9c/edit?usp=sharing

Teen Meet-Up at the Hashawa Haunted Trail at Bear Branch Park!

From the registration email:

"HAUNTED HISTORY HIKE
What lurks in the park after dark? Find out if you dare!

Join Carroll County Recreation & Parks for the Haunted History Hike at Hashawha Environmental Center and journey through some of Hashawha’s spookiest sites! Along the way, uncover the horrors and thrills that come to life after dark, featuring:

• Animatronics
• Monsters
• Spooky skits
• Historical stories
…and more!

Be prepared: A roughly 2-mile hike through the park will take place during the program. Please wear closed-toed hiking shoes and bring a flashlight. Due to the bumpy, uneven trails and darkness, this program is not recommended for those who may have difficulty navigating trails at night.

Support the Raptor Ambassadors!
Hashawha Environmental Center staff will be collecting monetary donations for the park’s Raptor Ambassadors during the event. Please consider bringing a cash donation to support these amazing animals!

Please Note: Due to the nature of this event, it is recommended for ages 13 and older. This program includes flashing lights, which may cause discomfort for photosensitive participants.

Are you ready to discover what comes alive at Hashawha after dark?"

Fees: $6 for Carroll County residents, $8 for non-residents

REGISTRATION LINKS: MUST PRE-REGISTER!!!!
https://ccrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=5613

Let’s meet up and play on the playground, take a ride to get pumpkins, and do the corn maze.
Playground is free, Pumpkins are $10 each, corn maze is $7 pp. Pay on your own and go at your own pace, come/leave when you’d like. Gates are open at 12. (I will be there closer to 12:30).

Please RSVP here so we know how to set up the room! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ANcydU23XHPsRs1YIIxOHbrtLSBcOTu-agkaepeNiyo/edit?usp=sharing

Join the Carroll County Homeschool Community Center on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM for an entertaining and educational presentation that brings the story of legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini to life.

Maryland magician Dave Thomen of D’s Magic will present his Reading Magic program, combining storytelling, magic, history, and a Houdini escape.

The presentation explores a lesser-known side of Houdini: his passion for reading, learning, and collecting books. Houdini's Library, available in both children's and adult editions, documents his collection of more than 15,000 books.

Houdini famously said, “My brain is the key that sets me free.” Dave uses this idea to explore the connection between Houdini's legendary escapes and the knowledge, preparation, and lifelong learning that helped shape his career.

During the presentation, families will hear stories about Houdini's life, discover the important role reading played in his journey, and experience a live Houdini escape.

Dave Thomen recently participated in a historic Houdini tribute in Appleton, Wisconsin, joining more than 200 magicians in a simultaneous performance of Houdini's Siberian Chain Escape. The 2026 event marked the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death.

Come discover the man behind the escapes and explore how reading, curiosity, and learning helped fuel one of history's most legendary performers.

Friday, October 9, 2026
6:30–7:30 PM
Carroll County Homeschool Community Center

🎉🎈 **KIDS DAY IS COMING!** 🎈🎉

We heard a little rumor that some schools are **CLOSED on Friday, October 16th**… so we decided to throw a HUGE celebration right here at the farm! 🚜🎃

We’re filling our **5-acre playground with INFLATABLES GALORE!** We’ve even heard whispers of an **80-foot obstacle course! 🤯**

🎟️ **KIDS DAY ADMISSION — $20 PER CARLOAD!**
**A $20 Carload Ticket is required to enter the playground area that day.** Load up the kids, bring some friends, and come spend the day with us!

And there’s plenty more happening around the farm:

🍔 **Food Trucks:** 10 AM–9 PM
🎈 **Inflatables & Playground Fun**
🎃 **Wagon Rides** running throughout the day to our Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch
🌽 **Corn Maze** open for exploring
👻 **Halloween Trail** opens at 6 PM
💙🎃 **Blue the Pumpkin Storybook Wagon Ride** opens at **6 PM!**

**Blue the Pumpkin** is a special family-friendly story brought to life along a wagon ride through the farm. With a live narrator telling Blue’s story along the way, it’s a great experience for the little ones with a wonderful message about **accepting others and celebrating what makes each of us different.** 💙

Make a whole day of it! Come early, let the kids burn off some energy on the inflatables, grab lunch from the food trucks, pick a pumpkin, tackle the corn maze, and then stick around as **Blue the Pumpkin and the Halloween Trail open at 6 PM!**

🛍️ And don't forget to stop by the **Farm Market** before heading home. We’ll be stocked with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, baked goods, fall favorites, and so much more! 🍎🥧

🚗 **REMEMBER: A $20 CARLOAD TICKET IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE PLAYGROUND ON KIDS DAY.**

https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/KidsDayOnTheFarm

📅 **Friday, October 16th**
📍 **Local Homestead Products**
2425 Marston Rd
New Windsor, MD 21776

🎃🎈 **Pack the car and come spend your day off at the farm — and stay for a full evening of fall fun!** 💙👻

Lake Roland Red Trail
is a well-traveled lollipop trail, so it's easy to modify the length if you are bringing younger children. We'll meet at the parking lot and follow the suggested route on AllTrails along the lake.

Help us get the second floor dance-ready for Saturday!