Citizens for Easton will hold its 17th Annual Farm Tour on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring its largest lineup of farms, historic sites and local businesses to date.
The free, self-guided tour is dedicated to the memory of Jane Paley, a longtime Citizens for Easton board member whose work helped shape the event into one of the town’s signature community traditions. Paley, an Emmy Award-winning television producer, educator and writer, was also a founding board member and contributor to the Easton Courier, where she wrote extensively about Easton’s agricultural heritage and rural character. She died in November 2023 at age 76 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
Visitors should begin at the Samuel Staples Elementary School Pavilion, where they can pick up tour maps, learn about Citizens for Easton’s conservation and community initiatives, and plan their route through participating locations.
More than a dozen farms and producers will open their doors during the event. Attractions include a petting zoo at Farm to Heart Farm, wool and fiber craft demonstrations at Blue Button Farm, a working milking herd at Shaggy Coos, and guided tours of Gilbertie’s Organics, New England’s first certified organic greenhouse farm.
At On Golden Pond Apiary, beekeeper Howland Blackiston, author of Beekeeping for Dummies, will present three hive demonstrations and offer honey tastings and mead. Other participating farms include Fishbowl Farm, Palmieri Farm, Sabia Tree Farm, Sanford Hill Farm, Sherwood Farm, Silverman’s Farm Orchard, Sport Hill Farm, J&L Orchids and Rising Iris, featuring activities ranging from pick-your-own produce to farm-made skincare products.
This year’s tour also expands its focus on Easton’s history. The Adams Schoolhouse, built around 1850, and the Bradley Hubbell Barn, featuring historic farming equipment, will be open throughout the day. Visitors can also explore the Staples Academy Exhibit, which chronicles Easton’s history from the precontact era through the 19th century.
Greiser’s Coffee & Market, celebrating its 100th year in Easton, will offer a complimentary iced coffee to visitors presenting an official tour map.
Citizens for Easton officials said the expanded program reflects the commitment of local farmers, merchants and volunteers who continue to preserve the town’s agricultural landscape and rural identity.
The tour is free, open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Additional information is available at Citizens for Easton.
