Celebrate Fall Harvest on America's Favorite Farm

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Evans lived by the motto: "Treat strangers like friends and friends like family."  At this year's 40th annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, set for October 8-10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Bob Evans Homestead in Rio Grande, Ohio, that philosophy continues to come to life.  

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Since its inception in 1971 as a harvest celebration, the Bob Evans Farm Festival has grown from a small, local gathering to a celebrated event attended by more than 30,000 people from 19 different states each year.  "It's become something of a pilgrimage for some guests," says Ray McKinniss, manager of Bob Evans Farm. "Friends and family come from every direction, near and far, to see where it all began and join in the festivities."

Farm Festival offers a wide array of entertaining attractions and interactive activities to bring the family together. Attendees can unplug from today's busy world and have some real hands-on fun by learning how to milk a cow, shear a sheep or get tutorials from a blacksmith or soap maker. Kids and parents alike can suit up for the potato sack races, join the pie-eating contest, or join the cow chip toss (yes, they're real cow chips!).

Families can also watch in wonder as cloggers perform "Appalachian tap dancing,"  lumberjacks demonstrate log rolling and sawing skills or kick back and "set awhile" to the sounds of real American bluegrass, gospel and country music. Look for seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent & The Rage to headline Sunday afternoon.

On-site primitive camping provides accommodation right where the action happens, allowing festival goers to get their day started bright and early after an evening spent, quite literally, down on the farm.

"It's an opportunity for families to spend quality time together while enjoying the simple pleasures of life in the country," says McKinniss.

With so many activities, Bob Evans Farm Festival is the perfect place to work up an appetite.  Guests can sample the mouthwatering tastes of local farmers offering kettle corn, apple cider, maple products, jams, jellies, gourmet food mixes and much more or even try a cup of hot bean soup made on-site by the famous "Bean Team" in authentic iron kettles over an open fire.  And of course, there is plenty of delicious Bob Evans sausage to enjoy at the food tent or take home.

"The value can't be beat," explains McKinniss. "An entire family of four can enjoy the whole day with us for less than $40 including admission and meals. You can't find a day's worth of good family fun for that price many places anymore."

The 40th Annual Farm Festival is also an opportunity for family and friends to explore and discover the history of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. The Homestead museum, located in the house where Bob and Jewell Evans lived for more than 20 years, offers a visual tour through the life of Mr. Evans and his dream that grew to become an iconic brand. You can also visit the first Bob Evans restaurant, located right in front of the Homestead, which started as a 12-stool diner in 1962 called "The Sausage Shop."

For more information about this year's Farm Festival, including a full list of activities, directions entertainment schedule, visit www.bobevans.com/farmfestival. Or watch for updates at www.twitter.com/farmmanray.

About Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. owns and operates full-service restaurants under the Bob Evans and Mimi's Cafe brand names. At the end of the first fiscal quarter (July 30, 2010), Bob Evans owned and operated 569 family restaurants in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States, while Mimi's Cafe owned and operated 145 casual restaurants located in 24 states, primarily in California and other western states. Bob Evans Farms, Inc. is also a leading producer and distributor of pork sausage and a variety of complementary homestyle convenience food items under the Bob Evans and Owens brand names. For more information about Bob Evans Farms, Inc., visit the company's Web site at www.bobevans.com.

SOURCE Bob Evans