Benjamin’s Hope free Harvest Festival offers fun for people of all abilities

Benjamin’s Hope always welcomes the community onto its 52-acre campus at 15468 Riley St. in Park Township, but this weekend is when the nonprofit gets to say “thank you.”

Benjamin’s Hope annual Harvest Festival 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Every year, the free event features an array of activities designed for all ages and abilities. 

This weekend, the Holland Model Train show will feature a full model train layout indoors. Other attractions include hayrides, pumpkin decorating, opportunities to meet first responders, interactive games, antique cars, and free food. A U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter will be on display.

“Our barn will be open for everyone to see the alpacas, goats, and bunnies. Hayrides will take visitors on a scenic tour around our campus. Everyone will be able to decorate a pumpkin with markers and stickers,” Operations Manager Corey Veldheer says. “Eight carnival style games are planned where contestants can win prizes along with other games such as cornhole that will be just for fun. The barrel train, a fan favorite, will also be there to bring guests on a ride around campus.”

Hotdogs, chips, and ice cream will be served 4 to 6 p.m. 

In the beginning

Krista and Dave Mason founded Benjamin’s Hope with a vision of creating an inclusive farmstead community open to everyone. Their youngest son, Ben, now 28, is profoundly affected by autism. 

“When Ben was just a little fellow, we began dreaming about an embracing community where he and other people with disabilities would find belonging, purpose and acceptance,” she says.

The nonprofit currently supports 32 adults in six farm-style semi-independent homes, complete with spacious front porches and individual apartments. With autism now affecting 1 in every 36 children born, Benjamin’s Hope is expanding to meet the growing demand. 

This summer, construction began on two additional homes, which will provide housing for 12 more individuals. The Church of Ben’s Hope continues to thrive, with over 150 people attending services every Sunday at 6 p.m. The organization also hosts 20 participants each weekday in their NEXT program, which focuses on holistic personal growth and development. Operating debt-free, Benjamin’s Hope exemplifies a successful public-private partnership and is a beacon of hope for families affected by autism both locally and beyond.

For Krista Mason, the Harvest Festival is the epitome of their vision for an inclusive community where every individual is valued and celebrated and a way to say thank you to the community that makes Benjamin’s Hope possible. 

“Harvest Festival feels like this dream, realized,” Mason says. “It is so much more than hayrides, music and fun. Harvest Festival is a tangible example of the way our community loves and embraces people of all abilities.”