MIDDLEBORO — The temperatures reached the 80s and the relative humidity was about as high but fall was still in the air at the Harvest Fest held Saturday, Sept. 9 at Soule Homestead Education Center.

From hay rides to pumpkin picking to checking out tractors, activities reflected the traditions of an agricultural autumn.  

Burgers sizzled on the grill, musicians sang in the shade and a tortoise named Tortellini munched on grass.

“It’s the first fall thing we could find,’’ said Meagan Silva, who brought along Isaac, 2, and Abbie, 5.

But that wasn’t the only draw for the family.

“We also love to support this organization,’’ she said. “They do a lot for our community. We love to support a local farm.’’

Soule Farm is maintained as a sustainable organic working farm with an educational and recreational component. The grounds at 46 Soule St. are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and educational programs are scheduled throughout the year. 

Lessons were learned at the event.

Elouise McLaughlin, for example, was surprised at the relative speed of Tortellini as the animal moved along the edges of the field in search of roughage. “They’re cool,’’ she said of the animals provided by Joe’s Crazzy Critters. The menagerie included a bearded dragon and a red-tailed boa, among several varieties of snakes. 

Avery Anthony, 10, especially liked the snakes. “A lot of people think they’re scary and scaly,’’ she said. “But they’re really nice.’’

Cara Christopher said she and her son, Sam, “loved the critters’’ and the chance to take a hayride out to pick pumpkins.

Although conditions were “too hot’’ for a fall event, typical of unpredictable New England weather, she still gave the day a positive review. 

“It was great,’’ she said.