There is so much to see and do in the Foothills this weekend, as Alberta Open Farm Days returns for its 10th year.
The province-wide event is set to arrive Aug. 13 and 14 to give Albertans an opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look into where their food comes from and to meet the people responsible for cultivating it.
Nine Foothills farms and establishments are participating in this year's event — Farm Two53, Forage & Farm, Granary Road, Hartell Homestead, the Millarville Agricultural Society, Prairie Spirit Alpacas, Spirit Hills Flower Winery, Bar U Ranch and Stormy Acres Hops.
Open houses are also taking place at several other farms throughout Alberta.
"It's always been very important for me to be part of the education for agriculture here in Alberta and help the public reach out and meet a farmer and ask those questions they want to ask and really find out, truly, where their food comes from," said Hartell Homestead founder Nick Shipley.
The farm, located between Black Diamond and Longview at 144208 Hwy 543 in Foothills County, is having free farm tours every hour on Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors will learn how Shipley and wife Alli manage their land and animals and have a chance to shop from the Hartell Homestead store, which will be stocked with fresh produce, pork, beef and highland.
There is also a 50-person long table dinner Saturday evening beginning at 6 p.m., in partnership with High River's JRRR BBQ.
The farm-to-table meal will consist of three meats, two sides, a salad and a dessert. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased by visiting the homestead in person or by emailing [email protected].
Farm Two53, east of Millarville at 338026 128 St West Foothills County, is joining for its second Farm Days, after receiving a surprising showing of 500 people the first time around.
The permaculture farm, owned by Travis and Deanna Thiessen, will be giving two tours per day over the weekend.
Travis said Farm Days opens the door for people to learn about what goes on at Two53.
"What we're trying to do is share with the community what regenerative agriculture or permaculture is, and Farm Days gave us a great opportunity to do that," he said.
Throughout the hour-long tours, Travis will educate patrons on the various elements of the operation, including cover crops, rainwater harvesting, composting, free range laying hens and turkeys, and even the production of electricity through solar photovoltaic technology.
The farm has also partnered with Black Diamond's Hard Knox Brewery, which will be providing ice-cold adult refreshments throughout the weekend.
For the kids, Ag For Life is bringing in an interactive learning experience housed in a 40-foot trailer that exhibits where food comes from.
Although it won't be part of this weekend's tours, Travis explained another element of the Thiessens' farm is a mid-century modern mansion constructed in the 1950s that the couple is working to restore to its former glory. After Deanna, who is an interior designer by trade, has worked her magic, the home will be available for short-term stays via Air BnB.
Travis said that while some visitors may come from more urban areas, any practice they learn about on the weekend can be applied to their own context.
For more information about Alberta Open Farm days and events at participating locations, visit albertaopenfarmdays.ca.
