July 17, 2023
Over 3 months ago we sat down and as a family decided to set a date to do a Farm Day Open House. We set goals (and met most of them), but the journey often meant exhausting days all the while not knowing how the day would turn out!
A farm day is a novel event in homesteading communities - what's more common is a "closed farm", or the increasingly popular practice of charging customers a fee to do farm work - with either knowledge or experience being the only takeaways for the community.
We had no frame of reference for what we planned to do, but the vision was there, and our children were all on board. As the weeks went by we welcomed all the spring babies with delight, knowing they'd be the stars of the show, and would allow the children attending to experience the joy of new life through sights, sounds, and touch. We welcomed the lambs, 2 more horses, a milk cow and calf, and goslings at Hawkfield Manor, and the anticipation of the day grew with each RSVP.
The day held more than we could have hoped...so many folks came of all ages, exeriences,.and backgrounds. The homestead was buzzing with people. The photos we have received have been amazing - so much joy, and for many children a brand new life experience. We were able to share about our farming practices, and send Grass-finished beef home with nearly every family that came out.
The support was incredible...the experience was unforgettable.
Thank you to everyone who came and let us share our farm with you and your families, and thank you for all the encouragement to both us and our children. THANK YOU!
-The Hawkins Family
Jonathan, Heather, Jason, Tyler, Micah, Emma, Olivia, & Benjamin