Harvest season is here and so is Granby’s most celebrated event of the year—Open Farm Day! Over a dozen working farms and treasured agricultural gems will offer a special, close-up look at the goods and operations on Open Farm Day, Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open Farm Day is a free, interactive experience for residents of Granby and surrounding communities. The Granby Agricultural Commission has hosted the annual event since 2012 to help strengthen the community’s connection to its agricultural roots and to ensure its farms remain central to the identity of the town.
Each participating farm will offer special demonstrations and activities for all ages throughout the day. This year’s highlights include wagon rides and apple-picking at both Lost Acres Orchard and Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard. A cooking demo with Metro Bis chef, Chris Prosperi at Holcomb Farm CSA. Grape pressing demonstrations and free wine samples at Lost Acres Vineyard. Rescue horses and live harp music at Angel Horse Farm. Tobacco curing and cigars at Coward Farm’s Granby location. Agroforestry experts at Wilhelm Farm and hosta dividing demonstrations and acres of unique plants at O’Brien Nursery. A discussion on CBD, hemp and investing in yourself at Addison Farm, LLC. Visit the goats and get an inside look at the dairy operations at Sweet Pea Cheese at the House of Hayes. Plus pony rides and live music at Maple View Farm.
In addition, The Friends of Granby Wildflower Meadow will be at Maple View Farm to talk about the meadow and offer resources for adding natives to your own garden—including a custom seed mix of wildflowers native to the area. The Granby Horse Council will be at Angel Horse Rescue and Sepe Farm will be at Lost Acres Vineyard offering sheep shearing demonstrations and knitting classes.
The Granby Land Trust is a key sponsor of Open Farm Day and a key supporter of Granby agriculture through its commitment to acquiring and preserving prime agricultural land for use by some of our town’s most treasured farms. Farm visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about GLT during Open Farm Day by visiting its booth at Sweet Pea Cheese at the House of Hayes or by browsing its website: GranbyLandTrust.org
The Granby Drummer is also a key sponsor and longtime supporter of Granby Open Farm Day. Contributing sponsors and friends of Granby’s farms are Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital, Horses & Hounds and Freshies Café.
A map listing each participating farm and schedule of events will be provided at each farm. Information can also be found on granbyag.org and the Drummer‘s article. For more updates on Granby’s agricultural community, follow GranbyAg on Facebook and Instagram.