PORT TOWNSEND — Local farms are opening their gates and doors this weekend to visitors, allowing them to get up close and personal with Jefferson County’s agricultural success.
“At the farmers market, you get to meet the people who grow the food and shake the hand that feeds you,” said Will O’Donnell, Jefferson County Farmers Market director.
“On the farm tour, you get to walk the field in their shoes and see where the good comes from.”
The free self-guided tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Eight farms are participating on Saturday while 18 farms are part of the Sunday tour.
The Fiber Farm Tour, a subset of the Jefferson County Farm Tour, is on both days. It includes five farms where visitors can browse through fiber products.
For a list of the farms, see http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Farm-Tour.
On both days, Farm Tour Central will be open in a tent at the Chimacum Corner Farmstand, 9122 Rhody Drive. Visitors can get maps, ask questions and get directions.
O’Donnell said the face of farming in Jefferson County is changing, and the tour is a good place to witness those changes.
“The Chimacum Valley is changing its shape into a region where there are salmon-friendly organic farms,” he said.
“In the past, a lot of farming was going against nature but the new crops introduce a healthier relationship with the environment.
“There are fewer hay fields and more places growing organic, fresh vegetables.”
The Jefferson County Farm Tour is organized by the Washington State University Jefferson County Extension Service.
Organizers say it draws several thousand visitors each year.
The goals of the tour are to educate the community about sound agricultural practices, foster beneficial relationships between community members and local farmers, promote positive impacts of locally grown food, fiber and other farm-made products and assist local farmers with marketing efforts.
The farms span many production systems including wine, dairy, meat, lavender, fiber, fruit, cider, vegetable and shellfish.
The fiber farms will feature spinning and weaving demonstrations as well as wool products for sale.
Those who visit four of the five fiber farms will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful basket filled with fiber goodies.
A Pie Party is set from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at HJ Carroll Park, 9884 state Highway 19.
It will include a Pie Walk, local commercial pies and slices for sale.
Proceeds will benefit the WSU Small Farms Program.
O’Donnell said the tour is “a really fun event” which includes activities, music and games that keep children engaged.
One example is Serendipity Farm, 141 Cemetery Road in Quilcene.
In spite of experiencing severe storm damage a couple of weeks ago, the Serendipity gang will have pony rides for the children (until the ponies get uncooperative), produce displayed for sale, a walking tour of the farm, the wetlands and the stables.
The farm children will be giving a children’s tour of their favorite places on the farm, including animals and their gourd house, according to farm owner Chris Llewelyn.
On Sunday, Serendipity invites friends and customers to join in a potluck at the end of the tour.
“Serendipity is your home away from home for supper on Sunday evening and is a great way to celebrate Quilcene, Llewelyn said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
