Day at the Farm, hosted by Delta Farmland Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Westham Island Herb Farm, will give suburbanites an opportunity to visit a real working farm.
The ninth annual event will be held this Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westham Island Herb Farm.
Day at the Farm gives visitors a unique opportunity to interact with many aspects of Delta's farming community. Over 20 agricultural organizations will have displays to engage people in fun activities that showcase the nature of B.C. agriculture and answer questions about how local food is produced.
Christine Terpsma, program co-ordinator of the Delta Farmland Wildlife Trust, expects visitors will view agriculture in a different light after attending the event.
"People are often surprised to learn such a diverse farming community
is right in their backyard," says Terpsma. "Delta is only about 20 kilometres from Vancouver. After visiting Day at the Farm, visitors get a sense of just how local their food is. Their
blueberries, cranberries, vegetables and dairy products are largely produced within an hour of Metro Vancouver."
There are plenty of things to do and see at this
year's event. In addition to the ever-popular farmerled haywagon tours and the B.C. Dairy Association milking shows, visitors can look forward to a specialty poultry exhibition, musical
pony ride, farrier shows, a mini-live auction and butter churning demonstrations.
B.C. Fresh is once again hosting a Potato Dig, which allows people to harvest their own fresh potatoes
straight from the field.
Antique and modern farm equipment, livestock and plenty of fresh local fare are also on the schedule.
There will also be live music from Dru Yates as well as Sami Rae and Travis Husband.
Visitors will even have the opportunity to learn from local conservation organizations that work in Delta, to explain how farms in the area provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species.
Admission is free or by donation and bring non-perishable items for the food bank.
Like to bake? Bring a batch of homemade cookies to enter the Local Cookie Contest, to be judged by a professional chef at the showstage at noon.
Westham Island Herb Farm is at 4690 Kirkland Rd. Visit www.deltafarmland. ca for more information along with a map and directions to the farm.
