The hoedown has deep roots in farm country. The word hoedown originated in rural America, recalling the ritual end of harvest season when farm workers put down their farm tools to celebrate with a raucous community dance.
In recent years, the Friends of Holcomb Farm have brought the tradition back to life in Granby. Last year, more than 600 people gathered for the Holcomb Hoedown, with donations supporting the Friends of Holcomb Farm Fresh Access food donation program. The Fresh Access program provides high-quality, locally grown food free of charge to over 600 households in Connecticut, including customers in Granby, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, Bristol and Waterbury.
According to the Holcomb Farm website, “for every $1.00 donated to Fresh Access, we grow and deliver healthy food valued at $1.40 (retail) to a family in need,” distributing over 15 tons of food through Fresh Access annually.
Thanks to a new major donor program for Fresh Access, the 2026 Holcomb Hoedown will support the broader range of programs at Holcomb Farm, including Holcomb Tree Trail and other land stewardship and sustainable farm operations, as well as continued support for Fresh Access.
“The Hoedown is a day to celebrate community,” co-organizer Melissa Hall said.
According to Hall, the third annual Holcomb Hoedown promises to be the biggest and best yet. The event will feature the return of crowd favorites, such as live music by Sarah the Fiddler, line dancing lessons from Stompin’ Boots and traditional ox-plow demonstrations presented by Hickory Hollow Oxen, as well as local food trucks from North Elm Butcher Block, Adam Ice Cream Truck and Nibbles n’ Noms.
Moreover, thanks to a grant from the Granby Education Foundation, this year’s event will feature a new, kid-friendly reptile demonstration from Riverside Reptiles focused on local reptiles and amphibians.
“The Hoedown offers good food and great fun for the whole family,” Hall noted, “there’s truly something for everyone.”
The Hoedown has become the FOHF’s signature event focused on its mission to “preserve, promote and utilize the authentic New England Farm for the benefit of the community.” Or, as Hall noted, “community is at the heart of the FOHF mission. Community supported agriculture begins with community. The Hoedown is one of the ways the FOHF celebrates and gives back to our community.”
The third annual Holcomb Hoedown will be hosted at historic Holcomb Farm in West Granby on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Photos from the 2025 Hoedown at Holcomb Farm. Submitted by Melissa Hall