The Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, “Fall for All,” welcomed hundreds of visitors to the Thomas S. Gulotta Wheatley Farms & Arts Center and AHRC’s historic campus on October 9.
This first-of-its-kind event at Wheatley Farms created an inclusive space for people of all abilities to spend time with family, make new friends, and enjoy a day of fun fall festivities. Many memories were made as families decorated pumpkins, children danced as part of the goat parade, and visitors spent time exploring the winding path of scarecrows leading from Wheatley Farms to the newly opened Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts in AHRC’s historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse.
“I want to thank the community for being a part of this day,” said Stanfort Perry, CEO, AHRC Nassau. “We have folks who have come from near and far to celebrate the advent of the fall season and what the possibilities an inclusive community can bring.”
While the Turturro family spent time on the history tour getting to know more about the campus where her son Christopher attends the Brookville
Center Education Center, Phyllis and Sophie Hoffman traveled from Connecticut and started the day visiting Wheatley Farms’ resident ponies, Mango and Belle.
“I like it because there’s a lot of stuff for adults and young kids to do,” shared Sophie, who attends Day Services at Wheatley Farms. Next on their schedule for the day was “face painting.”
Made possible by the creativity and care of over 100 volunteers, vendors, and staff, the festival gave guests a taste of what is possible at an 
inclusive community center, a place where they can participate in recreational projects or volunteer with people of all abilities.
- See images from an incredible day of community, celebration and connection.
- Check out upcoming programs, events and opportunities to volunteer at Wheatley Farms at ahrc.org/wheatleyfarms
- Looking to stock up on mums and festive fall décor? Stop by Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts in the historic greenhouse on AHRC Nassau’s grounds. We’re open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from noon to 6 p.m. or by appointment. Contact us at ahrcinfo@ahrc.org to set up a time.