Saturday October 3rd turned out to be a cold and drizzly day but a hardy group bundled up and grabbed their umbrellas and headed off to Rutland to visit the Heifer Farm to attend the Global Harvest Festival. We spent the morning learning more about Heifer International and the way that they help impoverished families. In their Global village we saw how people from other countries live.
Justin and Ethan digging potatoes in the rain
Allison, Paige and Lauren making prayer flags
We met llamas and alpacas, goats and rabbits, cows and sheep and yaks! The children were able to participate in various hands on activities at each country’s site to help them learn about the culture.
Hannah and Ethan help with the apple press
We were then able to see and help make apple cider with a hand crank press! For some of us the best part was the delicious warm cider that they had for us to sample; it was a real treat since we were pretty cold by then!
We ate our bag lunches in the community room of the barn and then finished up our visit watching a team of bareback riders who were giving a demonstration and of course a visit to the gift shop.
Abbie and Emily hamming it up!
We are hoping to head back to the farm for another visit in the late winter when they have a pancake breakfast (or lunch). We will be able to see the maple syrup being made and hopefully there will be lots of newborn sheep and goats.
The gang
