Today we attended a farm festival. It was one that sounded exciting enough that I put it on the calendar months ago. Touting tractor rides, old-fashioned apple cider pressing, and wool spinning it sounded like it was up our alley.
I should know by now that you never should attend these things early in the morning, but let’s face it, when your children wake up at 6:30am, 10am is really mid-day. As one of the first to arrive, it was clear that we wouldn’t stay for long. We did, however, greatly enjoy petting the horses and feeding the chickens. Neko loved the old machines that de-kerneled the corn, although we had a hard time convincing her to leave a few cobs for the other kids.
Another highlight was the big barn of old machinery, where the kids particularly loved this beautiful old cash register, haphazardly displayed teetering on a chair. But the best moment was when we pulled the kids aside to make room for an antique car coming through. The old man stopped and invited us for a ride, so we sat on old milk crates that replaced the long-lost seats as he looped around the property. It wasn’t until after he parked that we realized it wasn’t a part of the festival, but just an act of kindness to a family that seemed interested in his rusty old vehicle. Perhaps the best part of the day.
Although it was a good morning, the kids got antsy before any of the demos or tractor rides began. We soon found ourselves in the car, snacking on cheddar bunnies with a full day still ahead of us.
I’m still on the hunt for the ultimate farm festival. One with pressed cider and donuts made fresh on the spot. Plenty of animals to pet and room for the kiddos to run. Keep me posted if you know of one.