The Hunterdon Land Trust invites the community to its “Farm Frolic,” a free family fun day at the historic Dvoor Farmstead in Raritan Township on Sept. 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The event is designed to welcome the public to the Dvoor Farm and to provide learning opportunities that incorporate many of the facets of the property, including its rich history, agricultural heritage and future potential.
A special slide show, “NJ Landscapes, Past and Present,” by Mike McCann will be shown Friday (Sept. 10) at 6:30 p.m. See how development pressures and population growth have changed New Jersey over time at the Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine St., Flemington.
Sunday activities will include: a chef’s demonstration of Portuguese Kale Soup full of local produce by Basil Bandwagon; architectural and historic property tours; educational displays; children’s activities; and the regularly scheduled Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market.
Attendees are invited to enter a raffle for a basket of farm-fresh produce at the Land Trust’s booth at the entrance to the market.
The NJ chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association, and Sharon Vecchiarelli of “To Nourish” in Hopewell, will present “fun and easy techniques to preserve food. Learn how to preserve summer’s bounty of produce for the fall and winter.”
At 10 a.m. and again at noon, attendees can get a special tour of the Historic Dvoor Farm by local architect Chris Pickell. The Dvoor Farm has been a Hunterdon County landmark for generations, and its historical period of significance spans from the 1790s through the 1940s. The grounds and buildings serve as a living classroom for the agricultural history of the county.
Join architectural historian Dennis Burtland at 10:45 a.m. for a peek inside the Dvoor Farmhouse. The two-story house was built in the 1700s, and incorporates both traditional and Georgian-style architecture. From the cellar that served as the original kitchen for the house, to the attic that stored grain and hay, the Dvoor Farmhouse retains much of its original charm and detail.
The Hunterdon Land Trust also will be constructing a compost bin during farm frolic. “If you’ve been thinking about composting and would like to learn more, stop by the Land Trust booth at the entrance to the farmers’ market at 11 a.m. to learn more about this sustainable practice,” said a spokesman.
The regularly scheduled Farmers’ Market also will take place. The market features an array of locally produced farm products, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, grass fed meats, poultry, artisan breads and baked goods, local wine, llama and alpaca products, honey, soaps and body care products, plants and flowers.
The market is sponsored by Stem Brothers Inc., Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, Matt’s Red Rooster Grill and Team Capital Bank.
For more information about the Hunterdon Land Trust Alliance’s Harvest Festival, call their office at 908-237-4582 or visit www.hlta.org.
