Mercer County's Share The Harvest Tours Extended To Aug. 15

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ — A program that gives Mercer County residents the chance to see staff at Howell Living History Farm work on a special crop of vegetables and potatoes has been extended due to popularity, county officials announced.

The “Share the Harvest” tours gave visitors a chance to see work done by the staff, which is growing the crops to help local food banks and pantries. Due to the popularity of the program, tour dates were extended through Aug. 15.

“Howell Farm has been an essential facility during the pandemic, providing produce and supplies to areas throughout the County,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “By offering tours, visitors will be able to see the hard work and practices involved to make this such an impactful operation.”

“Share the Harvest” tours are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., 10:15 to 11:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. to noon, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday tours will be offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m., 1:15 to 2:45 p.m., 1:30 to 3 p.m., 1:45 to 3:15 p.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m., 2:15 to 3:45 p.m., and 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Those interested must pre-register through Community Pass in order to reserve a ticket. Tickets can only be reserved online; there will be no tickets available at the facility. There is a six-ticket maximum per person; all visitors must have a ticket to enter. Use of a face mask is required.

Visitors will use interactive maps during the tour and learn about each production area through a crop-themed crossword puzzle. An Instagram photo contest and a match game will challenge youngsters to identify vegetables grown in the farm’s market garden. Guests who complete the crossword puzzle receive a sample bag of the farm’s whole wheat flour and a recipe card to take home.

Tickets must be presented when arriving at the farm gate, and are good only for the 90-minute tour session reserved. Bathrooms and porta-johns are open, but stream crossings, play areas, trails and off-tour areas will remain closed to the public. Picnicking and tailgating are not permitted. To view available dates and times, please visit the following link: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/.

Howell Living History Farm is not yet open for general admission or weekly programming. Howell Farm is owned by Mercer County and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information about the farm or other Park Commission facilities, visit www.mercercountyparks.org, or call the farm office at 609-737-3299.