(Boston, MA) – April 18, 2011 - The trees are pruned and the grounds have been prepped for the thousands that will soon roam the many acres of Smolak Farms in North Andover, MA. Opening to the public for its 36th season on Friday, May 6th, 2011, the farm can trace its history back some 300 years. Today, the 160 acre multipurpose property boasts 107 acres of preserved land, which the Smolak family set aside in cooperation with the State of Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, insuring that the area would forever remain open land, never to be developed.
“Smolak Farms means so many things to so many people. Whether a family was introduced to the farm picking fruits in the summer, picking pumpkins, taking hayrides and enjoying warm cider donuts in the fall, or grabbing freshly baked pies, gingerbread houses and their Christmas trees during the holidays; we’ve been so lucky to be part of so many people’s traditions and memories,” said Michael Smolak, owner and developer of Smolak Farms.
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This year the farm willcontinue its traditional activities including Pick Your Own (PYO) seasons for strawberries, raspberries, sweet purple & tart red cherries, blueberries, currants, gooseberries, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, apples, pumpkins, squash and Christmas trees. Smolak Farms will also feature a variety of freshly grown vegetables that will be picked daily and available at the Farm Stand. (Visit www.smolakfarms for PYO dates and schedules.)
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Customers can also lookforward to the newly renovated animal & playground area. Breaking ground May 1st, 2011, the Smolak Farms animals will be moved to a larger area featuring all new facilities behind the farm stand. The Farm Stand will be getting a makeover as well! In addition to the popular selection of the world famous Smolak Farms cider donuts, pies and muffins, the Farm Stand will have more of a café-feel with new items such as espressos, lattés, chai and luncheon specials.
With numerous PYO crops, full service bakery and farm stand, new extensive play area for children, and petting zoo, you would think that would be enough to keep Smolak Farms busy! But that’s not the case!
“I think people know about our PYO seasons, various kids’ activities and our farm stand, but there’s so much more to experience at Smolak Farms. We hold beautiful weddings and private events, as well as corporate and team building outings. This season, we welcome our New Educational Director Kathy Varney, who will lead our educational nature and crafts program for children in the summer and much more! We are also very excited for our new children’s birthday party program with Elizabeth Accardi of ‘Upon a Star,’” said Kelley Small, Marketing Director for Smolak Farms.
With all that Smolak Farms has to offer, it is the perfect place for children of all ages, or for those who are young at heart. Families are invited to experience a true New England tradition at the farm’s opening on Friday, May 6th, 2011 from 7:00AM-5:00PM. In celebration of the farm’s opening free hayrides will be available all day as well as free crafts and games in the 130 year-old barn for children from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Smolak’s world famous cider donuts will also be available for only half price!
Smolak Farms is always free to the public and 2011 hours of operations are as follows: Monday – Friday: 7:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday and Sundays: 7:00AM-5:00PM. For a complete list of activities please visit www.smolakfarms.com.
