A hayride, that is!
Fall is fast-approaching! As the corn is served, the corn stalks are set aside for Halloween or Harvest decorating. Farms are preparing for families, field trips, and agro-tourists to come visit the farm, learn some, and enjoy Fall attractions like mazes and hayrides. Deans Farm Market in Wilson, North Carolina, is already taking reservations for hayrides and school field trips, and planning a pumpkin contest to benefit one local school with $350 for supplies.
In the Fall, bring the kids out for a Hayride around the Farm. With purchase of a $10 hayride seat, Deans Farm Market gives hayriders a free pumpkin to take home – to carve or eat! Hayrides begin September 23, 2016.
Deans Farm Market invites schoolchildren, too, with special hayride deals for teachers that include educational materials. Field trips also include entry in a contest that can win funds for the school.
Weekend hayrides around the farm will drop families off at the playground where they may pick a pumpkin to take home, play on the new and improved playground, and run through the maze — which is sponsored by the Wilson Tobs and will be in the shape of their logo!
Weekday hayrides welcome classes for field trips, during which the driver will educate kids on what is in season along with other information about farm products and agriculture. Deans Farm Market’s land, plants, and animals provide opportunities to learn about work ethic, teamwork, physical fitness, community, science, math, the arts, literature…the possibilities are endless!
School or group hayrides are available in packages that can include time on the farm playground, the maze, farm activities, a special story time, and more. Parents pay the children’s fees ($10 to $13, depending on number of activities); the school gets an educational, agricultural, and fun field trip; and the teacher participates for free.
Plus, each class receives a pumpkin to carve for the student pumpkin contest! One school will win $350 in this decorating contest. To qualify, hayrides must be reserved by September 2, 2016. Then, prior to their field trip, the school will receive one pumpkin to decorate for the contest. This may be a teaching opportunity, as classes can vote on how to decorate their pumpkin, and incorporate the decoration project into their lesson plans. When students arrive for their field trip, they will deliver their pumpkin and it will be displayed at the farm. One lucky winner will be selected when hayride season ends.
Note that teachers are also provided with a NC Core Curriculum-based Lesson Plan and worksheets, appropriate for Pre-K through 3rd grade kids.
For more information on the school contest or weekday hayride packages (two available), contact Courtney Sharp at Deans Farm Market (252.205.0031).
Deans Farm Market grows and sells produce alongside local, pasture-raised meats and more. Located at 4231 NC Highway 42 W, in Wilson NC, this farm also has a growing children’s play area — new equipment this year will bring joy to kids who are jumpers, sliders, climbers, and run-arounders! Visit their website for photos and more.
In addition to expanding their play area, Deans Farm Market now has a farm commercial kitchen. Their two chefs cook pre-packaged products from farm-grown and local items. Customers can now pick up ready-to-go dishes including collard dip, squash casserole, veggie pizza, homemade pies, and breads.
Note that Deans Farm Market is planning a Fall Festival weekend — September 24-25, 2016 — including children’s games, hayrides, local vendors, face painting, and much more.
More farm details are online here for schools and families planning a farm visit.
