Phoebe wasn’t to interested in getting her face painted she is only two so she was just happy not to be stuck in the stroller the whole time!  The grounds were perfect we didn’t have to worry about her getting trampled or run over by random four wheelers like some other festivals we’ve been to.   I kid not when I say family friendly!

We were already in the Kid’s Farmyard Fun area so we ran over to the tractor train ride, Phoebe was just a little small so just our little kitty went on the train. 

We got on this ride super early so she got the train practically to herself! When she got off the line was around the fence so she decided to come back later for another trip around the barnyard.

Just a little ways over what did they see??? the haymaze!   and that you won’t see here the pictures were fuzzy but trust me they both loved it!

We did get good shots of the Hay Castle though see the oldest pea up there waving all coy! and the Corn Pile that Phoebe loved and Py didn’t want to get out of !

 Too much fun at the Corn Pile wonder how much corn that was?? or a better question how much went home in kids shoes! ?? LOL

Once we got the Peas away from this fun filled corn pile we ate lunch at the food tent and it was so good all us girls ate chicken sandwiches, fries and cole slaw and Chad had the brat, fries and baked beans …… everything was so good, so good in fact that Py stole Daddy’s beans!

We ate right behind where the Border Collie Demonstration was happening, the best party for Phoebe …… SHEEP!!! she was so impressed that there were not only dog, and ducks but there were sheep right in front of her little eyes.  This city pea is obsessed with sheep I love it!

 The dogs were amazing they herd the sheep, jump over the sheep, herd the ducks and did everything Mr. Jenkins asked them to do.   Then Mr. Jenkins saw a little cat and couldn’t resist talking to her….Py got a little shy and Phoebe ran to Daddy to discuss sheep.

Pyper loved this demo I honestly didn’t think it would interest them as much as it did but they loved it I don’t think Py has paid attention for that long in forever LOL!  

Dave and Jan Jenkins the owners and operators of Jenkins Border Collies near Mansfield, Ohio.  To learn more about them and their dogs go here http://www.jenkinsbordercollies.com !

After we got the girls away from yet another fun thing we ran through the Dairy tent brought to you by http://laurelvalleycreamery.com only to find more…….SHEEP!  The girls pet a calf, and ran straight to the sheep.  We unfortunately missed the sheep shearing demo but got to watch Dan’s Farrier Service give a horse some shoes.   Phoebe was in sheep and horse heaven, we really need to get this girl to the farm more often!

We then went up the hill to see the Chainsaw Carving Demo now that was cool!

Now this man is from a town right next to us, that was exciting to see his name  Ted Scherer from Galloway Ohio you can look him up here  www.ohiowoodart.com 

because who wouldn’t want this gecko in your front yard?? I know I would!  Just magnificent!

 When we were on the hill we saw these step dancers, the oldest pea is taking tap so we stood there  for quite a while watching it was fun to watch kids of all ages were dancing it looked like from 7 to 70!

 We were getting pretty tired at this point it was such a great day!  But before we left there were just a few more things I wanted to see like Apple Butter being made!

 And sold!      So yummy!

Then the Beannie Boys they were hysterical they danced around, called people out of the crowd to try to beans and had a little competition with the kettle corn folks…..that is where I sent my husband to grab some of the best popcorn ever!  

The line for the corn was pretty long not just for the tasty treat itself but the little man in the corn hat made sure he spoke to everyone and was just as pleasant as could be unless they were poked by the beanie boys! Listening  to this beans and corn mock rivalry was hysterical!  Check out the sign the Beannie Boys had hanging in their spot:

 Last but certainly not least one of the town civic clubs were selling painted pumpkins and the peas wanted tiny ones……they were awesome all kinds to choose from!

Look at those !   The Sesame Street characters were Phoebe’s favorite and Py like Casper……but they really wanted the minis and Pyper showed them all to Phoebe and found the best one!

OHIO STATE!

Then of course she found the sassiest one and gave us the sassiest pose (-:

They ended up picking these and the ladies were kind enough to paint the peas name on them so cute!   Our day was filled with fun and regretfully we didn’t get to the half of what they had to offer we really should have made it a weekend trip.  Bob Evans has a campground right there where the festival is held and it would have been so fun.  There is also a few hotels down the street for those non-campers too. 

We paroosed some of the craft tents but to be honest I didn’t get any pictures we were too busy talking to all of the artisans I never thought to starting clicking, SO I guess you will have to go next year to see the over 40 plus crafters and artisians that were there.  They had everything from clothes, fudge, jam, paintings, antiques and of course Bob Evans memorabilia (I got a magnet!)    We didn’t go into the old Evan’s house at all because well…..the peas sort of touch EVERYTHING so …. maybe next year but you can see it on the first pic in this post.  There was a huge line but it seemed to move pretty quickly.  It’s that great history lesson for you and your family I mean who doesn’t want to know who is responsible for that sausage gravy! or how about that banana bread?  for the time being you can visit Bob’s website www.BobEvans.com  you see all of the upcoming events too.   When we got out visitor’s guide they gave us a pamphlet of all the upcoming events, did you know they were open all year?  They have horse riding at the Rio Valley Stables located right there at the farm visit them at www.riovalleystables.com .  While you are there the Homestead Museum that we missed is right there behind the open Bob Evan’s restaurant which by the way has an ATM that you may need to know as we forgot to get cash when we left home and got there without money and this Mom of  Two Peas needed her kettle corn!

Our days flew by and it was time to go to home as we walked to car we passed one last vendor…. http://www.bobsmarket.com/   OH the colors those mums, those gourds those pumpkins!  Where did my family go??? AHHHH wait for me I got distracted!!! But who wouldn’t I got one last picture as I ran to catch up….

My family and I would like to thank Blake Mathews at Brunner (for Bob Evans) for introducing us to this event your hospitality sir was wonderful and very much appreciated! 

So pack it up people and explore Ohio just be sure to start here!