With hundreds of farms across Alberta getting ready for another Open Farm Days on the weekend of Aug. 19-20, Chatsworth Farm, north of Vermilion is also prepping to open the barn for a fourth season.
Apart from viewing the animals and seeing how crops are produced, organizers are keen to involve other artisans, live music and a range of food and drink to showcase the culture of each region.
Charlotte Wasylik with Chatsworth Farm says they will be entertaining guests from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 19. New this year will be live music, a book signing and a seed planting station in the Alfalfa field, so participants will be able to take their young seedlings home.
“We have an Edmonton singer/songwriter – Mallory Chipman, who is going to be performing live. She has three sets during the afternoon. We are doing a book signing with a master gardener from Calgary – Sheryl Normandeau. She is the author of a couple new books that are specifically about gardening on the Prairies,” says Wasylik.
Organizers want people to register early, even if they are just coming for the entertainment. Also, leave their pets at home and keep an eye on their children while they are on the farm.
Chatsworth Farm is a mixed agriculture operation, so attendees can benefit from guided tours of both animal and crop production. Wasylik says they are bringing out the baby pigs this year.
“So, people will get to see them and learn about our hogs. We have the poultry that we show people. We have our sheep, horses and cattle. Everyone gets to take in a tour, if that’s something that they would like to do. We also have machinery demonstrations.”
Wasylik adds they will have an artisan market with over 18 artisans, vendors and other farmers from around the area, along with barbecue lunch and hotdogs from the farm.
Participants can keep track of updates on the Chatsworth Farm website, social media and the Alberta government webpage.