What is commonplace to farm families is a novelty to most of us. This is not surprising since in Nova Scotia, most people are two to three generations away from living on a farm. Currently, slightly over one per cent of the population in Nova Scotia works directly on farms. Events like Open Farm Day provide a glimpse of what farm life is like and help confirm the faith we have in local food producers. With over 9000 visits made on Open Farm Day in Nova Scotia in 2009, it is apparent that we do want to know more about how our food is produced.
Sunday, September 19 Open Farm Day will provide “a great opportunity for the community to see the hard work that goes on behind the milk carton!”
The following list of participating farms on Cape Breton explains where the farm is located, what type of activity takes place on the farm and what hours it will be open for visitors on Open Farm Day:
Galloping Cows
- Farm Type – Fruit preserves
- Hosts – Ron and Joanne Schmidt
- Civic Address – 59 Justin Road
- County – Inverness
- Directions – We are halfway between Port Hood and Mabou, approx 8 min. on Rte. 19. Turn onto Justin Road, go 500 m. See a red house and a red commercial building on your left.
- Hours – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Activities – We will demonstrate the classic method of preserving fresh fruit into jam. We will demonstrate one flavour, but we have many more available in our gift shop.
Highland Village
- Farm Type – Living History Museum & Folk Life Centre
- Hosts – Nova Scotia Highland Village staff
- Civic Address – 4119 Hwy. 223 Iona,
- County – Victoria
- Directions – museum.gov.ns.ca/hv/directions.html for map, GPS coordinates and travel directions. Highland Village is along Highway 223 in Iona, Cape Breton across from Rankin Memorial High School and next to Highland Heights Inn, Iona
- Hours – 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Activities – The pastoral lifestyle of the Gaels from the Scottish Highlands and Islands was exchanged for subsistence farming in Nova Scotia at the end of the 18th century. The Highland Village Living History Museum & Folk Life Centre depicts the lives of the Nova Scotia Gaels and their relationship with the land between 1773 and the mid – 1800’s. Experience Nova Scotia’s Gaelic language, culture and history at the Highland Village outdoor living history museum and take in the breathtaking views over the Bras d’or Lakes.
Crown Jewel Resort Ranch
- Farm Type – Resort and ranch, where organic methods of food production are used. Horses do the heavier work, instead of tractors.
- Hosts – Nahman and Iris Korem
- Civic Address – 992 Westside, Baddeck
- County – Victoria
- Directions – Take Exit 9 on Trans Canada. At the end of the ramp turn north west toward Big Baddeck. After 4 km cross the green bridge over the Baddeck River. Immediately after the bridge turn to the right on West Side Baddeck Road. After 4 km you reach The Sheiling, The Cloisters and the barns of Crown Jewel.
- Hours – 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Activities – We will have free hay rides running continuously during the event time.
South Harbour Farm
- Farm Type – organic market gardens
- Hosts – Claudia Gahlinger and Rejean Chamberland
- Civic Address – 301 Shore Road, South Harbour, Dingwall
- County – Victoria
- Directions – We are located near Cape North and Dingwall, at the top of the Cabot Trail, on the Shore Road overlooking South Harbour. Look for Farm Tours/Fresh Produce sign.
- Hours – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Activities – Tour our three tiers of organic fruit, flower and vegetable gardens and wide variety of composting systems. Visit our native shrub gallery and Celtic Tree Alphabet project, children’s area with sunflower fort and pumpkin patch, chickens and chicken tractor. Easy half-kilometer trail through karst topography to a small beach.
Hank’s Farm Market
- Farm Type – Vegetable farm and market
- Civic Address – 581 King Grove Rd., Millville
- County – Cape Breton
- Directions – From Hwy. 105 take Exit 16, head towards Seal Island, about 1/4 mile, take second street on right (King Grove Rd.). Farm is 2 miles down the road on the left; sign at end of driveway.
- Hours – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Activities – Enjoy music and a free bounce tent for kids. Enjoy mini petting zoo, mini village of 17 little houses and churches. Products for sale include a wide assortment of farm vegetables grown on the farm, fresh daily bakery products, sausages and hot dogs and lots more!
Twin Lighthouse Farm Ltd.
- Farm Type – Agri-tour featuring all types of farming, including aquaculture, picnic area, washrooms, farm trail on property.
- Host – Joan A. LeRoy
- Civic Address – 2239 Pt. Edward Hwy.
- County – Cape Breton
- Directions – Exit 5 off Trans-Canada, just before Sydney River
- Hours – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Activities – See a variety of farm animals from ostrich to trout! Ice cream and farm produce for sale.
