The “Great Pumpkin” sits atop the Erwins’ vintage 1947 Ford, a new photo attraction at this year’s Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Harvest Festival in West Union. (Photo by Ryan Applegate)
By Ryan Applegate
People’s Defender
The 17th Annual Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Harvest Festival is set to return Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12, bringing three days of fall fun, family traditions, and handcrafted charm back to Adams County Amish Country. The festival will once again take place at 817 Tater Ridge Road in West Union, the working farm of Herb and Kim Erwin, and will be open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitors can expect a nostalgic, old-fashioned fair atmosphere filled with the scent of harvest spices, the sound of live music, and rows of tents featuring unique handcrafted goods. “It’ll be fun for the whole family,” Kim said. “There’s something for everybody, whether you’re shopping, picking a pumpkin, or just hanging out with good people.”
This year’s festival will showcase several new vendors and special features, highlighted by what Kim calls “the Great Pumpkin,” a massive pumpkin perched atop a vintage 1947 Ford truck. “We’ve had the old truck for eight years,” she said. “Herb saw the pumpkin and said we had to have it.” The eye-catching display has already become a hit online after being featured on the festival’s Facebook page.
Among the new attractions, visitors will find demonstrations from a mother-daughter team who operate a woolen mill near Lucas Grove. They will be showing traditional techniques like carding and preparing wool, offering a glimpse into old-time craftsmanship. A new blacksmith will also join the festival lineup, along with several antique vendors and a tea vendor making their Wheat Ridge debut.
Kim said she is also excited to welcome back some familiar faces, vendors who had to step away for a few years due to health or family reasons. “It’s always good to see them back,” she said. “They’re part of what makes this festival special.”
The fair will again feature live music throughout the weekend, including the return of popular local performer Bryce Thompson, known for his Elvis tribute act. “He’s a good kid,” Kim said. “People really enjoy him, and he has a group that follows him everywhere.”
The festival grounds will be decorated with colorful fall displays, including hundreds of vibrant mums, with more than 500 expected this year, along with rustic photo opportunities around every corner. Between the decorations, music, and friendly atmosphere, the event captures the best of small-town autumn charm.
Vendors are expected to fill the grounds, offering everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to antiques, home décor, and herbal products. Food vendors will be serving a wide selection of savory and sweet festival favorites. “Food, pumpkins, good vendors, that’s what people love,” Kim said. “We’ve got Miller’s Kettle Corn coming back, and that’s always a crowd-pleaser.”
As always, the fair maintains its roots in natural living and handmade artistry. Many vendors will feature herbal products, soaps, oils, and remedies that align with the fair’s namesake theme.
Admission remains just $5 per carload, making the event affordable for families looking for a fun weekend outing. The spacious farm layout allows plenty of room to explore, and organizers are optimistic about the weather forecast, which is expected to be mild and fall-like, a welcome change after recent warm weeks.
“This will be year number 17,” Kim said. “It gets a little easier every year, but there’s always so much to do right before it starts. Once it’s all set up and the music starts playing, though, it’s worth every bit of work.”
With a mix of new and familiar attractions, live demonstrations, and the unmistakable charm of Wheat Ridge Farm, the 2025 Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Harvest Festival promises another unforgettable weekend of community, creativity, and celebration of the harvest season.
