Things are really lining up and it will once again be an exciting weekend. As you probably know, we always invite local vendors to join us here at Golden Acres Ranch.
What do we do with the wool from shearing
Well this year we are expanding the wool handling adventure. We are planning everything from cleaning dirty wool, solar dying fiber, hand and machine carding, spinning and displaying finished product. I’m not particularly adept at most of these things but I have friends that are. Melissa – click on her name to see her website – will be here with her talent and tools to show us the way. All knitters and crocheters are welcome to come join us and bring a project to work on and share.
Pony Rides
The Painted Pony comes trotting in again from Noon to 3:00 PM both Saturday and Sunday. This is always a favorite of the kids. Plenty of photo opportunities here.
It is a delight to see the children as they enjoy their first pony ride. Now while your waiting your turn, don’t forget about Phony Pony. He has been a mainstay here at the ranch until the real thing came along. Don’t know what the Phony Pony is? Well, just come on out and see.
4-H, Snow Cones and Bass in the Grass?
Jefferson County Extension Service will be available all day Saturday with their Snow-Cone Machine and we’ll have the Atlas Garden Gloves for sale too. This is all part of fundraising for the 4-H. Now they are planning big time with games and prizes for kids of all ages.
Have you every done “Back Yard Bass Casting“? Yup there some bass out there in the pasture just waiting you to catch them. There will also be the 4-H Clover Toss – just come and see what this is all about. And there will also be extension agents on hand to answer all those gardening questions you have.
Permaculture and other things
My friend Melinda Copper has been working hard and long discovering all the joys and tricks of permaculture. She will discuss practical permaculture strategies – better ways to make that garden grow.
Speaking of growing – Seed Time’s Cetta Barnhart is joining us again with her selection of locally grown vegetables, fruits and other goodies. Seed Time is the link between the farmer and the consumer.
How much is that doggie in the crate?
Jefferson County Human Society will be on hand with an adoption booth. Animal friend Faye Prichett and her Great Pyrenees, Thor, will be wandering the grounds to greet everyone. He is always pretty and clean, unlike my natty looking guys in the pasture. He is often dressed for the season. If you’ve been to the Halloween event or to Downtown Christmas in Monticello, you have seen Thor in his fancy duds. So it is another photo op. Thor is such a sweetheart. Faye also does some unique crystal work and will have items on hand for sale. I’ll tell you more about those and show some photos next time around.
And there will be food.
Johnston’s Meat Market will be here with their new fancy portable certified kitchen. Their menu is growing all the time.
Ande will feature sugar free treats. Tanya our neighbor does homemade bread from scratch – she uses all natural ingredients and grinds her own flour. Sharon Rhodes does some homemade cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, candy and more.
Jewelry and Textiles
Jewelry makers Melinda Ramsey and Barbara Graham will be here again with all their handmade jewelry. This will be their fourth year and we are so glad to have them. They tell me they do well each time. I know there is always someone at their booth.
Trudi Bell will bring her textiles and quilted items. She was here during the Mayhaw Festival and had a good time. We’re happy she is back. There are baby blankets, cream cycle scarves and other special things.
Guy Things!
Blacksmithing by Mike Murphy. He will be set up again with his fire and anvil to demonstrate an old fashioned art. This was a popular spot last spring. I think he the one that said something like “If it ain’t broke, we’ll fix it till it is.”
Golden Acres Ranch with have the ongoing hayrides, petting place, mayhaw and pindo palm jelly, and lots of other fun stuff around. Lamb and Goat cuts will be available also.
I also want to acknowledge Farm Credit Northwest Florida, one of our sponsors.
There are more coming and I’m waiting to get their description and photos. So watch for additions.