Celebrating a Bountiful Year: A Recap of the 52nd Annual Farm Festival

There’s something truly magical about the crisp autumn air and the scent of farm fresh foods filling the countryside. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting our 52nd Annual Farm Festival celebration from October 13 – 15 on the original Bob Evans farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. As we look back on this heartwarming weekend, we can’t help but share the joy and gratitude that filled the air. Join us as we take you through a delightful recap of this year’s memorable farm festival, and cheers to preparing for next year – we hope to see you there!

Let’s take a stroll through the farm, here’s what transpired at this year’s celebration:

Live Performances All Weekend Long:

The 52nd Annual Farm Festival saw acts from far and wide at our farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Guests enjoyed live music performances from an up-and-coming country artist from Nashville, Spencer Crandall, and a previous winner of The Voice, Bryce Leatherwood, as well as music from renowned bluegrass and gospel musicians. Also, a musical dance performance was held by Taps in Motion Cloggers, a team of dancers who performed a form of American folk dance. The weekend-long performances filled the farm with laughter and cheers, enhancing the festive atmosphere each day.

Enjoying the best of Farm Fresh Food:

The 2023 annual Bob Evans’ Farm Festival brought a variety of delicious, farm-fresh food for all attendees. Guests could visit local vendors throughout the festival, including fall favorites like homemade preserves, Ohio-made cheeses and fall’s best pies.

Additionally, Bob Evans’ famous sausage was available for all to enjoy in a variety of sandwiches, or in our famous sausage gravy and freshly baked buttermilk biscuits. Not to mention, our original restaurant on the farm is open every year for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so attendees can find all their farm-fresh favorites in one spot.

Activities for the Entire Family:

Throughout the weekend, families had a plethora of fun activities to choose from, including anything from live animal showcases to amusement park rides to lumberjack challenges and more. While walking through the farm, attendees could find over 60 local artisans who showcased their special work and sold artwork, ingredients and more. Amusement Park rides were available for attendees of all ages with all-day ride wristbands and individual ride tickets that included a Ferris Wheel, as well as a Kids’ Farmyard Fun area with face painting, a hay bale maze, game tent, kiddie train rides and a corn pile.

Also, this year, we had the honor of welcoming the Columbus Zoo with a special live animal showcase for all to see, and Southern Ohio Axe Throwing joined the party with trained “Axeperts” to show and teach participants how to perfect their axe-throwing techniques.

To learn more about our annual Farm Festival, please visit the link here. Interested in next year’s event? Join our email club here for updates. To apply for food or craft vendor space, please contact Gail Leslie at 740-245-5305 or send an email to gale.leslie@bobevans.com.

If you joined the celebration this year, show us your favorite moments by tagging @bobevans on Facebook or @bobevansfarms on Instagram.