OLD FORT, Ohio — A favorite local spot for fun fall activities is opening early for the upcoming total solar eclipse.
For over 20 years, Riehm Produce Farm in Seneca County has invited visitors to its Barnyard Fun activities in the fall. It acts as an end-of-season celebration for the multi-generational farm, which normally opens for the season in July.
"We're obviously slammed right now with trying to get plants in the ground and in the greenhouses," Phil Riehm, a fifth-generation farmer said. "But we knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we didn't want to miss the opportunity to showcase the farm, and we wanted to give people a nice place to go and enjoy their day."
So now with the once-in-a-lifetime event coming in under three weeks, the Riehms are opening their farm to visitors early during the weekend of the total solar eclipse.
"We're just selling parking spots for $25," Riehm said. "$25 will get you 2 tickets into the Barnyard Fun and then if you wanted to buy additional tickets on top of that, it's $10."
They'll have all of their Barnyard Fun activities out to enjoy, except pig racing.
There will also be hot, farm-fresh food served and plenty of local produce available to visitors inside their roadside stand.
The Riehms won't be offering any camping on their property as they're an active farm.
But they wanted to make sure they didn't let this opportunity pass by to open their doors for locals and out-of-town visitors who will be here for the historic event.
"We wanted to give people a feel of what it is like here on a northwest Ohio farm," Riehm said. "Just come out, relax and have a nice time."