Loudoun Spring Farm Tour Set for May 18-19

Residents are invited to visit the people, places, products and produce of Loudoun’s agricultural community during the 2013 Spring Farm Tour, set to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19.

“This is an annual tradition for some families,” said Loudoun Rural Marketing Coordinator Coco Lyons. “It’s a fun way to spend a lovely spring weekend.”

A map of 45 participating farms and venues can be found in Spring Farm Tour brochures at county libraries, community centers and online (www.LoudounFarms.org/FarmTour). [It's also attached to this article.]

“There are so many amazing things for kids to do on the farm tour, from petting mini-donkeys, feeding chickens and gathering eggs, to making a seedling pot, going on a scavenger hunt, learning how to shoe a horse, and playing cow-pie putt-putt golf,” said Loudoun Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles. “Adults can enjoy handmade crafts from local artists; a Greek festival; spinning, weaving and wool-processing demonstrations; pruning and planting clinics; learning about Greyhound adoption, and sampling cheeses, wines, whiskey, artisan tea, lavender-infused culinary treats, homemade strawberry donuts and BBQ/cupcake pairings."

Several farms will have live music, and some will offer farm-fresh meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables for purchase. Seven farms have been added to this year’s tour:

• Double 8 Alpaca Ranch
• Earth Wind and Fleece
• Project Horse
• The Farm at Goodstone
• Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese
• Waterford Farm and Village Days
• Cardamon Family Vineyards

Seventeen of the participating locations are pet-friendly, and most are found along scenic drives in western Loudoun’s rolling countryside. More than 8,000 visitors are expected to take part in the free event.