The weather was iffy as volunteers set up at the Morehouse Park pavilion on the Samuel Staples Elementary School campus Saturday morning. But the skies cleared in time for an estimated 300 arriving families to enjoy the 12th annual Citizens for Easton Farm Tour.
Before setting off on self-guided tours of the participating farms and historical sites, many families lingered to watch the fun and games and sip the lemonade that Joel Silkoff and his Easton Community Center staff had arranged for the younger set. Families also enjoyed snapping photos of their little ones atop the Haller family’s vintage tractor and beside the hay bales provided by Pond View Farm.
Master gardener Carol Hamilton and master composter Alpheus “Alph” Winter were on hand to answer questions and do demonstrations for more than 50 curious visitors. Members of the Easton Garden Club treated 80 young people to mini-lessons on how to grow sunflowers, and each received a potted sunflower to grow at home. The seedlings were donated by Sal Gilbertie. To help beat the heat, Adrienne Burke, owner of Greiser’s Coffee and Market, donated watermelon wedges.
There was a free prize drawing and the lucky winners received gift certificates for farm goodies and one winner, a hand-blown glass heart paperweight created and donated by Jason Curtis.
Brittany Conover, who manages Shaggy Coos Farm said, “It was so great to see so many new and old faces and share our passion for agriculture. We love working with other local businesses and had a great time with Veracious Brewery. Looking forward to future farm tours!”
The honey at the Golden Pond Apiary, including mead for the grownups, went fast. Owner Howland Blackiston engaged in conversations with the many visitors who came for tastings and a chance to see his bees in action.
The Caprese salad sandwiches were a big favorite at Sherwood Farm: heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil on country bread with a splash of olive oil.
The Farm Tour is hosted every year by Citizens for Easton, an organization devoted to local preservation and conservation efforts and committed to promoting agricultural and farm-friendly activities.
All photos: Tomas Koeck
