Late Summer and Fall Happenings at Wright-Locke Farm

It might be hard to believe with the return of summer's heat and humidity, but the autumn season is on its way and Wright-Locke Farm is gearing up for one of our busiest times of year. We have a wide range of offerings for every age and interest, including U-Pick raspberries, educational programs, special events, and volunteer opportunities in the farm fields and stand.

The raspberry canes aren't ready quite yet, but we will update our Raspberry Information webpage with our opening date for PYO organic raspberries as soon as we have enough ripe fruit to open the fields to pickers (a late August date is expected). Once U-Pick hours begin, the fields will be open Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 12 noon and Saturday - Sunday from 1 - 4pm; fields are closed on Mondays and as needed for inclement weather or picking conditions. U-Pick Raspberry Volunteers are needed in the farm stand, too, so please consider lending a hand! Individuals ages 14+ can help; flexible scheduling and training are provided.

Berry pickers and eaters alike might also be interested in the Farm's upcoming Introduction to Canning Jam and Sweet Preserves Workshop on Tuesday, August 30 from 6 - 8:30pm at Saint Eulalia's Parish (50 Ridge Street, Winchester, MA). Learn the basic science of hot water bath canning and techniques for making delicious homemade jams, jellies, conserves, fruit sauces, whole and half fruits, and more. Education Director Rebekah Carter will lead this hands-on workshop that explains the necessary ingredients, equipment, and methods for safely making shelf-stable products at home on a small scale. Participants will help prepare and can half pint jars of local raspberry-plum jam to take home and enjoy. Registration is REQUIRED to attend, so please visit our website to learn more or sign up.

The start of the school year marks the start of fall youth programs at Wright-Locke, including 6-week after school programs for kids entering grades K - 8 and Friday morning sessions for preschool kids ages 4 - 5. These programs include farm and nature-inspired lessons, gardening, cooking, and spending time with our beloved farm animals. Please visit our website to learn more or sign up. We also have scholarships available for kids qualified for free or reduced-price meals thanks to the Winchester Rotary Club.

Lastly, the Farm is once again set to celebrate the harvest season with the return of our Farm-To-Table Suppers featuring local chefs and seasonal foods. Seats are limited at each supper, so don't delay signing up. We've got three suppers scheduled for the following dates: Wednesday August 24, September 21, and October 19.

Please visit Wright-Locke Farm's website for more information on our offerings or to register for programs and events: www.WLFarm.org