Come to the Haldeman Mansion for the 20th annual Fall Festival, and you can enjoy a bit of history, delicious food and lots of fun, all in a picturesque setting.

The festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at the mansion, 230 Locust Grove Road, Bainbridge.

Activities will take place on the grounds of the historic site, which overlooks the Susquehanna River, as well as inside the building.

Entertainment will include music from the Sherri Mullen Duo; an interactive discovery station with Dean Evans, who is known as "the cicada chaser"; and a variety of children's activities. People will also have the opportunity to meet Maggie Bird, an umbrella cockatoo, with her handler Alan Kepple.

Food available for purchase will include Groff's bratwurst; hot dogs; chicken corn soup; chili; and a variety of desserts, including apple dumplings.

Bainbridge resident Darl Williams and his antique cider press will offer fresh-pressed apple cider.

Visitors will also get to explore history up close through mansion tours, which will be held at 1 and 2:30 p.m.

"The event is an opportunity to spend an afternoon enjoying a beautiful setting for history, music, food and family fun while supporting the restoration of a historic treasure," said Kenneth Beard, president of the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society.

Proceeds will be used for restoration of the mansion. Work on the site has been ongoing for more than 50 years, Beard said.

"This event helps enable the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society (to) celebrate the significant history of the site and fund upkeep of the building and grounds," he said, adding that a small donation is requested for festival parking to help with restoration costs as well. "In conjunction with the festival, the historical Bainbridge blacksmith shop will be open on Second Street to provide more historical interpretation and working demonstrations."

The Haldeman Mansion is an 18th-century National Register historic site located within a National Register-listed archaeological district, he noted.

"It sits on a Susquehanna River terrace, which provides a beautiful view today and was home to two documented native American settlements dating to the 1500s and early 1700s," he explained. "It also was the birthplace of esteemed scientist Samuel S. Haldeman."

People are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to spend the afternoon at the festival. To learn more about the Haldeman Mansion Preservation Society, visit https://haldeman-mansion.multiscreensite.com.