Sultana Foundation welcomes fall with free event

CHESTERTOWN — With exceptional weather on Saturday, beside a freshwater pond, marsh and forest, banjo music played to a crowd.

Ringing in the autumn season, Sultana Education Foundation threw their Sultana Harvest Party, inviting the community to the Lawrence Wetlands Preserve, free-of-charge.

Founder Chris Cereno said ever since the preserve had their ribbon cutting last fall, they haven’t really had any community events there.

So they were expecting maybe 70 people.

Despite many other festivities throughout Kent County, he was pleased and surprised to see, what he guessed, was more like 300, partaking in the festive activities volunteers offered.

People showed up to celebrate autumn, bringing their own blankets with them. They found a cozy spot in the woods or mingled with neighbors.

“We’re thrilled that we have a lot of younger families here. We’ve got a petting zoo, games for kids, all kinds of things. The concept was to have a family-friendly event in a nice, relaxing atmosphere.”

Volunteers also handed out free pizza, in a hut — literally a pizza hut.

Animals like a mini horse, a mini donkey, goats, rabbits and ducks were petted and combed courtesy of Party Animals LLC. out of Sudlersville.

Fearless little toddler Betty Herr donned her goggles to pet the shaggy goat; her mom was amused.

Nearby, on the bocce ball court, volunteer Melissa Lane guided a boy on how to play the beloved sport of the County, with a holiday twist, using pumpkins instead of balls. Pumpkins don’t quite roll as nice but the kids enjoyed them, Lane said.

Live music was provided from Flatland Drive, a bluegrass band with modern stylings. Volunteers handed out regional beer or wine while the band played some originals and covers.

The woods added enough shade for adults to have a comfortable spot to relax.

Nature lovers enjoyed the gravel path that follows the Gilchrist Rail trail.

That trail opens out to a pond with a nice view of the woods and the Sultana building. In Saturday’s case, folks got a view of the musicians and the people gathered around them while the sun cast shadows over the water.

Cereno noted that first-time visitors are a little surprised of all the wildlife back there.

The wetlands is a 8.5 acre urban nature center featuring a variety of ecosystems. “We’re still in the town but it doesn’t feel like it,” Cereno said. “It’s really beautiful out here.”

He encouraged visitors and residents to check out the trail, open from sunrise to sunup.