Delightful entertainment at Bayonet Farm “Annual Earth Day Festival” Bayshore Courier News Posted:04/08/10
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Holmdel - The lovely rolling pastures and beautiful barns of Bayonet Farm will, once again, be the perfect setting for Holmdel's 12th Annual Earth Day Festival!
Brand new to the Festival, this year will be a wonderful Petting Zoo, where children will be able to meet and feed goats, sheep, chickens and other gentle farm friends.
There will also be free entertainment all day!
Holmdel's Finest K-9 Team will demonstrate crime solving and rescue techniques at their dog-training facility, which is based at the farm. Be sure to arrive at the Festival early to witness these magnificent Officers and their human counterparts showcasing their skills in an impressive 45-minute program.
At the "Gray Star Barn," two live animal shows will have an environmental message. Already scheduled are the Eyes of the Wild troupe's "What Big Teeth You Have!" This fun, educational presentation will show how some of Earth's incredible creatures have adapted to survive the circle of life, with tooth and claw!
As in years past, the "Red Barn Theatre" will be featuring live Folk-Rock Music by popular local bands. Stop in anytime to hear some great talent!
All ages will find something of interest. Little ones will have fun making cute crafts from ordinary "recyclables;" homeowners will learn how to "Go Green" with the help of many environmental organizations; exhibitors will have information explaining Holmdel's open space achievements and goals, and the Lucent situation.
History buffs and whiskey aficionados will enjoy the "bootleg" still that was recently salvaged from a now abandoned home. The Holmdel Historical Society received the still from descendants of a prominent Holmdel family, who ran the business out their back door!
You will be able to look at the sun! Stargazer's astronomers will be providing special equipment. And, for anyone who is looking for a new best friend, the Pet Adoption Network will bring adorable cats and kittens to meet you.
Since it began in 1998, tours of the Bayonet Farm residence have been an important part of the Festival. The tours offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the farm's last private owner, Laura Harding. See the rooms Miss Harding added in the late 1930s, to turn her humble farmhouse into a gracious mansion to host movie stars of the day. Farmhouse Tours are free but limited; participants must register at the Festival.
For those looking to experience even more of nature's beauty, the annual "Ramanessin Brook Greenway Walk to the Festival" will begin at 10am and be led by noted environmentalist, Holmdel Township Committeeman Larry Fink. Hikers will meet in the Holmdel Park shelter in the lower parking lot near the pond. The hike is moderate and takes about one and a half hours before arriving at the Festival. To guard against ticks, hikers are encouraged to wear light-colored clothing with pants tucked into socks.
With so much activity, you will want to have a delicious sandwich, hot dog, snack or drink from the "Red Barn Deli." Also for sale will be homemade treats at the "Olde Fashioned Country Bake Shoppe" to bring home. Proceeds from the "Deli" and "Bake Shoppe" go toward funding future Festivals.
This fun-filled day will take place, rain or shine, on Sunday, April 25th from 12 Noon until 5pm.
Bayonet Farm is located at 41 Middletown Road, between McCampbell and Stillwell Roads in Holmdel. Admission, Parking, Crafts, House Tours, K-9 Demonstration and Barn Animal Shows are all free! A fee of $2 will be charged to enter the Petting Zoo. And, one lucky person will win our Free Earth Day "Door Prize": a backyard composter!
This Festival is the biggest Holmdel event of the spring season and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with them, or for further information, please call Carol at 732-946-9064.
