JEFFERSONVILLE – Routinely, the fabulous fun of a farm welcomes locals and tourists too. But this year it’s different. It’s a bit bittersweet.

On Saturday, September 27 at Hilly Acres in Jeffersonville, the multi-generational farm run by Andy and Tanya Hahn and sons Mike and Chris, will be hosting its Annual Farm Fest.

They will be serving up fresh farm food and fun, music, vendors, hayrides, games, pumpkins and more. 

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and with free admission, visitors will be welcomed to 32 Wahl Rd. and will learn from 4-H kids and older teens in the Farmers of America, toting their projects and animals, teaching about pigs, sheep, chickens and more. 

But something will be different this year, said Tanya Hahn, who is also the Jeff Bank’s executive vice president. That is because the well-loved bank’s marketing coordinator, Jackie Poley, age 36, had died suddenly two months go.

“Jackie loved her marketing, and she did it all: pictures, making brochures, always celebrating when an employee had a birthday,” said Tanya. “She was bubbly, full of laughter. We all loved her.”

Then on July 26 the world changed. 

“The family was at home, dinner was ready, and she never came down,” said Hahn. 

Jackie’s husband Chris, and children Genavieve and Jack, along with Jackie’s parents and many others, are still grief-stricken. 

And so are Jackie’s friends at the Jeff Bank, who came up with a plan.

“The employees themselves were so devastated,” Hahn said, “and now they have set up a Memorial Fund. Already, everyone in the bank has brought in baskets (for the fundraiser).”

The funds will go towards Jackie’s children.

This Saturday, the memorial fund will be front and center at Hilly Acres – all due to Poley’s love, laughter and beautiful work. 

“There’s also the slash raffle and the penny social,” added Hahn. “We want to make it a fun day for everyone – and to enjoy themselves as a community