LAKELAND - Alberta Open Farm Days, a province-wide initiative designed to promote agritourism and promote rural sustainability, is taking place Aug. 19 and 20, with several farms across the Lakeland region participating.
As a host farm, Christy Creek Honey in Lac La Biche County has been welcoming visitors during Alberta Open Farm Days since 2019. Joanne Wicker and her husband Rob, own and operate the apiary (bee farm). Joanne says the weekend-long event gives small farmers the opportunity not only to promote their businesses but also give back to the community.
“As both Rob and myself are educators, we feel that it is a great way to educate people about bees,” she said.
In our increasingly urbanized society, many people don’t often get out to the countryside to visit a farm. Joanne continued by saying that Open Farm Days gives participants full tours of farm operations at no cost.
“This is an excellent way for people to gain an understanding of where their food comes from and the culture of farm life,” she said. “While it does help us somewhat to promote our farm and business, that isn’t the significance of the day for us.”
There will be plenty of activity taking place at this bee farm during the weekend event, including the chance to observe a beehive. For a small $10 fee, people can dress in a genuine beekeeping suit and take a tour to see the bees in action. Tours can be booked online in advance at Christy Creek Honey.
“This year, we are set to welcome members of the Lac La Biche Art Club, who will be unveiling their hives painted specially for this event, as well as offering a tour of other works of art they have done,” Joanne explained.
The Lac La Biche chapter of the Alberta Junior Forest Rangers will also be on hand volunteering their time taking guests on nature walks, looking after the parking lot, and facilitating other activities. She said while everyone is welcome, visitors are encouraged to leave their pets at home.
When the Wickers first joined Open Farm Days as a host farm, they were doubtful if large numbers of people would show up. Close to 100 visitors arrived during the first year, and those numbers continue to grow each year.
“We had people from all over Alberta and even as far away as Toronto and Nebraska,” she said. “It was because of the great turnout that we decided to change our business from just selling honey to offering a hive tour experience.”
Providence Acres joins Open Farm Days
Endless fields filled with colourful flowers might not be the first image that comes to mind when people think of farms, but that’s exactly what they will see when they arrive at Providence Acres Flower Farm near Iron River on Aug. 20.
Providence Acres Flower Farm is owned by Ryan and Lena Thiessen. Lena said Open Farm Days is the only time of the year they offer tours of their operation.
“Our objective is to be able to educate everyone on the entire process of flower farming right from seed to harvest,” Lena explained. “Furthermore, we will be showcasing some of the equipment that we use as well. There will be free donuts and coffee for visitors, and our five children are planning on running an ice cream stand.”
This marks the first year that Providence Acres Flower Farm, which was established in 2019, will be participating in Open Farm Days. The couple sells fresh cut flowers they grow on their farm through subscription programs, u-picks, and markets. Additionally, the locally owned business provides retail bouquets for stores, and during the winter months, offers handmade Christmas wreaths.
The most important aspect of the weekend, Lena says, is that it serves to raise awareness about locally grown products.
“Local is becoming more and more important to people and we hope to help spread the word that people can get what they need while supporting their community.”
History and pancakes
While it may not qualify as a farm, the St. Paul Museum, which is home to various historical agricultural artifacts from around the region, will be hosting a variety of activities on Aug. 19, including a petting zoo, a farm demo, log cutting, and, best of all, demonstrations on how to make homemade ice cream and butter.
“There is usually a good turnout of at least a few hundred people to our Open Farm Day events, and we’re looking forward to hosting it again,” said Jemma Page, an employee of the St. Paul Museum. “This year’s activities will include hayrides pulled by a tractor.”
And before setting out to see all these amazing farms, why not stop by the Agricom in Lac La Biche for a hearty breakfast?
“We will be hosting the Open Farm Days pancake breakfast once again this year on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m.,” said Aurel Langevin, president of the Lac La Biche Agricultural Society. “For only $5, people can get pancakes, sausages, fruit, juice and coffee or tea. There will also be live music during the breakfast.”
There are roughly 126 farms from every region of Alberta participating in Alberta Open Farm Days 2023. Although the deadline to register as a host farm has passed, those seeking more information about the event can go to the Open Farm Days' website.
The first Alberta Open Farm Days was held in 2019. Although most of the events are free, for those wanting to purchase fresh food items from the farms they visit, it is advisable to bring cash, as not all establishments will have credit/debit.
Open Farm Days participants across the region include:
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Charlotte Lake Farms (Bonnyville)
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Chatsworth Farm (Vermilion)
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Métis Crossing (Smoky Lake)
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Musée St. Paul Museum (St. Paul)
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Providence Acres Flower Farm (Iron River)
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Rocky Meadows Country Get-away (Bonnyville)
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Wild Willows Haven (Bonnyville)
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350 Farms (Bonnyville)
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E-Tree the Tree Farm (Bonnyville)
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Christy Creek Honey (Lac La Biche)
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Hay Lakes Bison Ranch (Lac La Biche)
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Lac La Biche Agricultural Society (Lac La Biche)
Year of the Bison
This year has been named the Year of the Bison, according to the Alberta Open Farm Days website.
There are 472 Alberta farms with fresh bison, which accounts for 48 per cent of all Canadian farms that have bison or buffalo.
“The total number of bison (buffalo) on Alberta farms were 65,405 head, accounting for 44 per cent of the national total (149,539 head),” according to information from Alberta Open Farm Days.
A mature bison bull will weigh approximately 2,000 lbs while a mature cow will weigh approximately 1,100 lbs.
