Petting farm, games, help make up GroveFest

FREMONT — See and learn about live animals, play nature-related games and make crafts with regional nature organizations during the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums' annual GroveFest on Saturday, June 21 at its grounds in Fremont. GroveFest celebrates nature and wildlife and takes place on the grounds of Spiegel Grove, an accredited arboretum and the estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and attendees can stop by any time throughout the event to join in the festivities, ranging from a petting farm, educational animals, crafts, games and more. Admission is free. Many local, community-based organizations will participate in the event. This would include the South Creek Clydesdales, which will offer horse-drawn trolley rides through Spiegel Grove for $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 6-12 and free for ages 5 and younger. Hayes Presidential volunteers will share some highlights of Spiegel Grove for those aboard the trolley. Hot dogs and ice cream will be available. Donations for food are accepted but are not required. Visitor parking is off-site only with the exception of those who have handicapped tags for their car. Parking will be available on the street and in ProMedica Memorial Hospital's parking lots at buildings A and B, located at 605. Third Ave. Spiegel Grove is a short walk to the east of the hospital parking lots. A golf cart will be available to shuttle people from the front to the back of Spiegel Grove. GroveFest is an opportunity to enjoy nature at Spiegel Grove and to learn about Rutherford and Lucy Hayes' love of the outdoors. The couple raised cows and chickens and planted trees on their beloved estate. Lucy Hayes enjoyed fishing, and she loved nature so much that her official White House china had images of the flora and fauna of the United States, from deer and raccoons to fish and lobsters. For information, call 419-332-2081 or visit rbhayes.org.