As July begins, the farm is currently employing 6-8 staff members. With peak season just around the corner, however, Howell says that number will soon grow exponentially. Photo Credit: Howells Farms.
Niagara residents and tourists are being afforded a special treat this year. Howells Farm, the beloved destination for Autumn fun in Fonthill, has opened its doors to the public months ahead of schedule.
“We have so many great things going on,” Jerry Howell, owner of Howells Farm, shared with The Niagara Independent. “People know us for our variety of traditional fall attractions, but there are wonderful things to experience in the summer as well, so this year, we opened for the season in May!”
Visitors to the farm right now will have the opportunity to pick their own lavender.
“Our farm is all rolling,” Howell visualized. “It is absolutely gorgeous… it looks like the rolling hills in France!’ Later in the summer, it will be time to enjoy an extensive collection of sunflowers, which will ultimately herald the commencing of the autumn season and all that it brings.”
“We also have all kinds of interactive activities, including many options for kids,” Howell explained. “We have playground areas, engaging games, live demonstrations, opportunities to connect with animals and birds, and a wide range of food and drink options, and alcoholic beverages offered at our Beer and Wine Garden.”
Howells also has spaces that can be rented for birthday parties. Later in the summer, fire pit rentals will also be available.
“Fall is and always will be our biggest season,” said Howell. “We aren’t looking to be crazy busy in the summer, but rather just a steady flow of customers, providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy more of what we offer.”
Howell also recalled how during the pandemic, the farm tried extending operations into the other end of the year, for the Christmas season, but found that Niagara weather conditions were not ideal.
“It is most often too mild and muddy,” Howell said. “If we had earlier snow and colder temperatures, that, of course, would be a different experience, but all things considered, we really think that summer will be a more optimal time for us.”
As July begins, the farm is currently employing 6-8 staff members. With peak season just around the corner, however, Howell says that number will soon grow exponentially.
“The busier things get, the faster we’ll have to start onboarding our approximately 140 students,” Howell explained. “And with our earlier opening date, there is the potential we may need them even more quickly,” he continued. “The more people that visit, the more we can employ.”
Howell also took some time to reflect on the beginning of the 50th season of the family-owned farm, at which he has been working since he was a boy.
“When we started back in 1975, I was a 9-year-old kid, and I sold a whole wheelbarrow of pumpkins,” Howell remembered. “We were originally a pumpkin farm, but we soon began offering wagon rides, and school tours, and then we added the haunted house and additional fall attractions.”
“We are so close to the border, and we have a lot of tourists, including Americans, who will travel a fair distance to visit us… and yet there are still many people who may not have heard about our farm, and they are coming and experiencing it for the first time!”
Those who are interested in learning more about Howells Farm, its varying attractions and/or planning a visit, are invited to visit their website.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
