Get Behind-the-Scenes Peek At Sonoma County Farm Life: 'Weekend Along The Farm Trails'

By HOLLY HANSEN (Open Post)

By next month, Sonoma County farms will be abundant with fall harvest. Sonoma County Farm Trails invites the San Francisco Bay Area to pack up the family and head out to the farms for Weekend Along the Farm Trails.

From 10am to 4pm on September 26 and 27, visitors can tour their way through Sonoma County and stop in at the participating farms of their choice. Guests can take part in demonstrations, petting friendly farm animals, hayrides, corn mazes, games and crafts for kids, tastings, cooking demos, flower arranging, and more. Some locations charge modest fees for special tours and activities, but entry to all farms and most activities are free of charge.

Many stops will offer snacks, lunches and epic picnic sites. Farm stands will be open for fresh-from-the-source purchases. Guests are encouraged to pack a cooler for toting home farm-fresh treasures.

• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27, 2015
• Times: 10am to 4pm
• Locations: Farms, ranches and other agriculture-related businesses and organizations in Sebastopol, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, and Valley Ford
• Cost: Free
  

To help our farmers prepare, visitors are requested to sign up beforehand athttp://bit.ly/waft2015.

Activities:

• Explore Sonoma County’s vibrant agricultural community.
• Experience life on the farm behind the barnyard gates.
• Meet farmers, vintners & artisan producers.
• Learn about the origins of our food.
• Enjoy tastes, tours, and demonstrations fresh from the source.

About Sonoma County Farm Trails (www.farmtrails.org)
With its mission to help ensure the continuing economic viability of Sonoma County agriculture by instilling an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community & lifestyle, Farm Trails was established in 1973 by local Sonoma County farmers to create community among food producers and establish a stronger connection between farmers and the public. Farm Trails continues to serve as a local resource, producing Sonoma County’s premier agricultural map and guide. Their primary annual fundraiser is the Gravenstein Apple Fair, celebrating the heirloom apple and Sonoma County’s rural traditions. Signature events include farm-to-fork feasts, a barn dance, and seasonal farm tours like “Blossoms, Bees, & Barnyard Babies” in the spring and “Weekends along the Farm Trails” in the fall. Farm Trails is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.