Wagon Rides, Alpacas, and More
SARATOGA SPRINGS — If you haven’t already visited Pitney Meadows Community Farm in Saratoga Springs, this Sunday, Oct. 8 will be a good time to do so. Just be sure to bring the kids.
Reaching out to the community in its first full year of operation on the 166-acre farm, Pitney Meadows is hosting “Family Fun Day” from 1 to 5 p.m.
Activities will include horse-drawn wagon rides with Mike Fields from the Washington County Draft Animal Association every 10 minutes, plus guided tours every hour on the history and future of Pitney Farm. Key stops will include the new Community Gardens, high tunnel, and the historic farmhouse built in 1881 by Jonathan Pitney, who started the farm in 1862 to grow produce, dairy products and meats for guests staying at the old Pitney House on Congress Avenue.
Children and adults also will enjoy a 78-foot obstacle course with a 19-foot slide, plus a farm-themed interactive toddler fun area. Alpacas will be on hand from 1 to 3 p.m., courtesy of Woodland Meadow Farm, and other animals will be there for a small petting zoo. Activities also will include pumpkin painting, and there will be a “Guess the Weight” raffle for a large pumpkin, with pumpkins being supplied by Hand Melon Farm.
In the farm’s new Community Gardens, children will find a fairy garden created by Girl Scouts wholly from materials found in nature: twigs, acorns, shells, moss, and pebbles, and a beautiful sunflower garden.
Games will include croquet, bean-bag toss, and badminton. All are encouraged to bring their own kites, frisbees, balls, or other games for an afternoon of old-fashioned family fun.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from Green Mountain Concessions, which include slushees made from natural juices and cider, as well as cotton candy made from maple syrup and honey. An assortment of healthy snacks are being donated by Pitney Meadows volunteers. Beer from R.S. Taylor + Sons Brewery will be available for purchase.
Thanks to the farm’s new “high tunnel” greenhouse, which covers a space one-tenth the size of a football field, the event will go on rain or shine. There will be a suggested $1 donation per person with all proceeds going toward the Children’s Greenhouse and Gardens, which is slated for construction in spring of 2018.
People with limited mobility can be accommodated. No dogs or other pets, please.
Pitney Meadows Community Farm is located at 223 West Avenue, directly across the street from the Saratoga Springs YMCA and high school. For more information, visit www.pitneymeadows.org or call 518-290-0008.
