Historic New England leases land at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts, to local farmers. Taste the fruits of their efforts on Friday, September 21, from 7 – 9, at The Farmer’s Table. This four course meal with wine pairings showcases the produce grown by the Colby family at the farm, prepared by Joppa Fine Foods of Newburyport. $55 for HNE members, $75 for non-members, and registration is required at 978-462-2634. For directions, visit www.historicnewengland.org.
While we’re still on the topic of sheep shearing, come to the Spencer-Peirce Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 8, from 11 – 4, if you’re not already headed down to Rhode Island to Watson Farm, and watch teams of draft horses and mules from throughout New England participate in plowing demonstrations as part of this annual event. learn how horses are harnessed, hitched, and cared for. Watch the – you guessed it – sheep shearing and see how the wool is washed, carded, and spun into yarn. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, farm animals, blacksmithing demonstrations, children’s crafts and games. Listen to fiddle music from E. J. Ouelette and watch a puppet show by Martha Dana. Free to Historic New England members, $6 nonmember adults, $4 children. Call 978-462-2634, or log on to www.historicnewengland.org.
Historic New England’s Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts will be the venue for the annual Family Harvest Festival. See tractors and other farm equipment spanning eighty years. Try corn husking or win a prize at the pie-eating contest. Learn how simple machines help farmers with pumping water, pressing cider, and preparing food. Find your way through a hay bale maze, harvest wild herbs, and see vegetables preserved in the traditional way. Enjoy a wagon ride through the fields, build scarecrows, go on a pumpkin treasure hunt, and make fall crafts. Listen to folk music performed by Sweet Loretta’s Snake Oil Jug Band or watch a puppet show by Martha Dana. The c. 1690 manor house is open. Cider, donuts, and hot lunch are available. For more information call 978-462-2634, or log on to www.historicnewengland.org. Free to Historic New England members, $6 non-members, $4 children.
