Erie Grown October Newsletter
A printable version of the Erie Grown October Newsletter (PDF) can be downloaded. For accessibility, please use the web version of this content.
Inside this e-newsletter, you will find:
- What’s in Season?
- Seasonal Produce Highlight
- Erie Grown Passport Reminder
- October Events
- Looking Ahead: November
- Past Editions
What’s in Season?
October brings the heart of the fall harvest season to Erie County. Look for fresh, locally grown apples, pumpkins, winter squash, potatoes, cabbage, leeks, and other cool weather crops at area farm stands and markets. It’s a great time to enjoy the abundance of the season and stock up on local fall favorites before the growing season winds down.
Residents can find seasonal produce at farm stands, farmers markets, and u-pick farms across the County. To locate nearby growers, visit Erie Grown and search by type of produce to find local farms and markets.
The following fruits and vegetables are typically in season in Erie County during October:
- Apples
- Beans, Dry
- Beans, Green
- Beans, Lima
- Beans, Snap
- Beet Greens
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Eggs
- Grapes
- Herbs
- Honey
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Mustard Greens
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Peas
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Prunes
- Pumpkins
- Raspberries
- Spinach
- Squash, Summer
- Squash, Winter
- Swiss Chard
- Tomatoes
- October
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Seasonal Produce Highlight
Winter squash and pumpkins peak in the fall across Erie County, making it a great time to enjoy them locally. Both are members of the gourd family and are good sources of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which can support digestion and the immune system.
When selecting them, look for a firm, hard rind and choose ones that feel heavy for their size. Store unwashed in a cool, dry place and rinse before preparing.
Find local squash and pumpkins on Erie Grown.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- To prepare the Brussels sprouts, remove any yellow or brown outer leaves, cut off the stems and cut in half.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt and pepper together. Spread them into a 9-by-13-inch (or larger) baking dish or sheet tray to roast.
- After 15 minutes, stir the Brussels sprouts with a spatula or large spoon to even out the browning. After 30 minutes, stir in the maple syrup.
- Continue to roast the Brussels sprouts for about 15 more minutes, or until they are fork tender (about 45 minutes total roasting time).
- If using hazelnuts, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the hazelnuts.
Recipe adapted from New York Times Cooking.
Erie Grown Passport Reminder
With your online Passport or printed passport (email agriculture@erie.gov to receive a PDF), each time that you visit a farm, farm-related business, or agricultural festival listed on Erie Grown, simply write the date you visited.
There’s still time to earn Erie Grown Passport points this fall season. Don’t forget to log your visits to u-pick apple farms or to a local cider mill for a chance to win a prize.
In January 2027, three participants who submit their Passports will win prizes!
October Events
Fall fun is happening all across Erie County! Local farms are celebrating the harvest season with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and much more. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a fall afternoon, check out our Fall Fun Map (on page 3) or read below for event highlights.
Akron Acres
Akron Acres has fall festivities every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October from 10am-5pm. Festivities include pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, pony rides, and a corn maze. Bring your dog to pick out a pumpkin on the last full weekend of October. Ticket prices vary based on activity, check website.
Badding Farm Market & Garden Center
The Halloween Scarecrow Village at Badding Farm Market & Garden Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm through October 25. The Village has indoor and outdoor play areas for kids, including a straw maze. Cider donuts and pumpkins are also available. Entry is free.
Bippert’s Farm Market
Bippert's Farm Market hosts the Harvest Happening every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm through October 31. The Happening includes a corn maze, hayride, petting zoo, kids activities, and more. There is a $14 entry free, kids six and under are free.
Greg’s U-Pick Farm
Greg’s U-Pick Farm hosts Fall on the Farm on weekends through November 1, featuring hayrides, a corn maze, barnyard activities, and more. Admission starts at $12.
Kelkenberg Farm
Kelkenberg Farm hosts Fall on the Farm Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am-5pm. Admission includes a pumpkin from the patch, hayride, farm animals, pony rides for children, a corn pit, bounce pad, giant sandbox, mountain slides, and more.
The Great Pumpkin Farm
The Great Pumpkin Farm is open through October 31, daily from 10am-7pm (closing at 5pm on Halloween). Visitors can pick pumpkins, enjoy fall attractions and activities, seasonal food and treats, family activities, photo opportunities, and more. Weekdays are free, while weekend admission is required.
MaeLen Farms Roadside Market
Paws & Pumpkins is a family-friendly two-day event held on October 3 and 4 from 10am-1pm at MaeLen Farms Roadside Market at 11121 Jamison Road. The event includes food trucks, vendors, a corn maze, hayrides, basket raffles, pumpkins and gourds for sale, and adoptable dogs from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. Entry is free, $5 to park, activity costs vary.
Meyer's Homegrown
Meyer’s Homegrown’s Cornmazing Fall Fest is held Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm through October 25. The Fest includes a corn maze, petting zoo, yard games, photo opps, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch. There is a $5 entry fee.
Wendel's Poultry Farm
Wendel’s Poultry Farm fall fun event’s include hayrides with Wanda the Witch, pumpkin picking, and fall treats.
W&J Awald Farms
W&J Awald Farms is open through October 31, daily from 10am-7pm. Visitors can enjoy u-pick pumpkins, a 5-acre corn maze, hayrides, a corn cannon, petting zoo and farm animals, fall treats, a farm store, and more.
Looking Ahead: November
The holiday season is just around the corner, and Erie County farms and producers have plenty to offer. November is a great time to support local agriculture.
Looking to shop local this season? Check out Erie Grown to find farms, markets, local products and seasonal activities throughout Erie County. Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where we’ll highlight even more ways to support local farms during the holiday season.
Submit an event by emailing agriculture@erie.gov.
Past Newsletters
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