Ferguson’s Family of Farms Launches Community Harvest Days to Support Local Organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Ferguson’s Family of Farms, known for creating some of the Midwest’s most popular fall destinations, is adding a new community-focused tradition to its seasonal activities with the launch of its inaugural Community Harvest Days. The initiative will combine family-friendly autumn experiences with charitable giving, allowing visitors to enjoy a day at the orchard while helping organizations that serve local children, families, agricultural communities and people facing food insecurity.
The new program will take place on September 18, October 9 and October 23 at Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest and Eau Claire locations. On each Community Harvest Day, Ferguson’s Family of Farms will donate $1 from every paid admission to a designated local nonprofit organization.
The initiative reflects the company’s broader goal of making its farms more than seasonal entertainment destinations. Through Community Harvest Days, Ferguson’s aims to connect visitors with the communities surrounding its farms and highlight organizations working to create meaningful opportunities for families, young people, farmers and individuals who need access to food.
“Fall at Ferguson’s is always about bringing people together at the farm to create traditions and memories with families and friends that bring visitors closer to the food they eat,” said Andy Ferguson, co-owner of Ferguson’s Family of Farms. “Community Harvest Days combine this focus with our support for the communities we call home. We’re excited to give our visitors an opportunity to enjoy a day with us while helping support organizations doing meaningful work in our surrounding communities.”
September 18: Supporting Children and Families
The first Community Harvest Day will take place on Friday, September 18, with a focus on children and families. Ferguson’s will direct the proceeds from admissions toward local Boys & Girls Clubs, organizations that provide educational, leadership, health, career and recreational opportunities for young people.
At Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest location, the donation will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. The organization supports children and teenagers through programs designed to help them develop academically, socially and personally while providing a safe and supportive environment.
At the Ferguson’s Eau Claire location, proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Chippewa Valley. The organization similarly works to create opportunities for young people and families across the region.
By dedicating the first Community Harvest Day to youth organizations, Ferguson’s is emphasizing the importance of investing in children and families while encouraging visitors to make their fall outings part of a larger community effort.
The September event also gives families an opportunity to enjoy Ferguson’s autumn attractions while knowing that a portion of their admission is helping organizations focused on strengthening communities and supporting young people.
October 9: Celebrating the Future of Agriculture
The second Community Harvest Day is scheduled for Friday, October 9, and will spotlight agriculture and youth development. Donations from this event will support local 4-H programs, which play an important role in introducing young people to agriculture, leadership, education and community involvement.
Visitors attending Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest will contribute to a donation benefiting Scott County 4-H, while those visiting the Eau Claire location will support Eau Claire County 4-H.
4-H programs help young people gain practical skills while developing leadership, responsibility and an understanding of agriculture and food production. For an organization centered on farming and orchard experiences, supporting 4-H also provides an opportunity to highlight the connection between younger generations and the agricultural industry.
Agriculture remains an important part of the Midwest’s economy and communities, and initiatives such as Community Harvest Days can help bring greater attention to the people and organizations working to ensure its future.
Ferguson’s orchard experiences already provide visitors with a closer look at where food comes from. Through the October 9 event, that educational connection will extend beyond the farm itself by supporting programs that encourage young people to learn about agriculture and develop an appreciation for farming.
October 23: Helping Fight Hunger
The final Community Harvest Day of the inaugural program will be held on Friday, October 23, with a focus on food access and hunger relief.
As the fall season approaches the holidays, Ferguson’s will direct proceeds from admissions to local organizations working to provide food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
At Minnesota Harvest, the October 23 donations will benefit the Jordan Area Food Shelf, which provides food assistance to members of the local community. At the Eau Claire location, proceeds will support Feed My People, a food bank serving communities in Wisconsin.
The final event underscores the connection between agriculture, food and community well-being. While fall at Ferguson’s celebrates the harvest and the food produced by farms, the October 23 initiative will focus on helping ensure that more people have access to nutritious food.
The timing of the event also places an emphasis on the holiday season, when demand for food assistance can become particularly important for many families.
Combining Fall Fun With Community Giving
Community Harvest Days are designed to build on Ferguson’s reputation as a destination for fall family entertainment while giving visitors another reason to participate in the seasonal experience.
Ferguson’s Family of Farms offers visitors the opportunity to experience the traditions associated with autumn, including time spent outdoors, family activities and the atmosphere of a working agricultural destination. The new charitable initiative adds a community-service component to those experiences.
Rather than treating charitable giving as a separate activity, Ferguson’s is incorporating it directly into its fall admissions program. Each of the three designated days has a specific community focus, allowing visitors to support organizations addressing different needs throughout the season.
The three themes — children and families, agriculture, and hunger relief — also reflect several of the issues that are closely connected to Ferguson’s role as an agricultural and family destination.
For visitors, the program provides a simple way to contribute. By purchasing paid admission on one of the designated Community Harvest Days, guests can enjoy a fall outing while automatically contributing to a local organization through Ferguson’s $1-per-admission donation.
The initiative also reinforces the company’s effort to create experiences that connect people with the origins of their food and with the communities in which agriculture plays an important role.
With Community Harvest Days, Ferguson’s Family of Farms is positioning its fall season as an opportunity not only to gather with family and friends but also to give back. The inaugural program brings together seasonal entertainment, agricultural awareness and community support across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Visitors interested in participating can attend Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest or Eau Claire locations on September 18, October 9 or October 23. Each date will support a different group of local organizations, giving families multiple opportunities throughout the fall to combine a day of seasonal fun with a contribution to their surrounding communities.
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