Article & Photos by Barbara Arnstein
Ready for a relaxing Sunday afternoon of food, family, friendly animals, and all kinds of fun activities? Then clear your calendar for Sunday, September 13th, from noon to 4pm, and get ready for the Goat Gathering. Which is officially known as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Gathering!
The fundraiser for Open Farms, the non-profit care farm and goat sanctuary in Springville, will be held at Sprague Brook Park, which is located at 9674 Foote Road in Glenwood, NY. A care farm is a farm that offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the rhythms of nature by participating in activities such as planting or feeding animals, or just visiting and enjoying the rural atmosphere.
Naturally, there will be goats and some other animals from the farm on hand to greet visitors. The activities will include: activities for kids (humans, not baby goats), a flower bar, a basket raffle, community art, a gift card pull, a silent auction and the opportunity to jar your own pickles. There will be local food and treats, including ice cream, at grazing stations.
“The work on the farm offers therapeutic benefits for people of all backgrounds”, said Jennifer Zeitler, the Executive Director of Open Farms.
“There is a lot of important work to do, and they can be a part of it. Or, maybe what they need that day is to sit and pet a goat, or hold a chicken, and that’s wonderful, too”.
Individual tickets cost $25 apiece, but are only $20 for each person in a group of three or more. Children three and under are admitted free. “Open Farms offers connection, healing and purpose through farm-based experiences”, said Ms. Zeitler. “Your donations will help us continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for animals in need of their second chance, as well as support therapeutic programs for vulnerable members of our community”.
You can visit Open Farms, located at 7512 Genesee Road in Springville, NY, on Thursdays between 5-8pm, and on Sundays between 9am-noon, at no cost. Visits at other times can be arranged by calling (716) 803-7484. Donations are always welcome. Just ten dollars pays for hay for a day, for goats and donkeys, while $25 buys feed for a week. For more information, see Open Farms on Facebook, or email https://www. OpenFarmswny.org.