Paddockpalooza at Hinds Feet Farm

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Movers, Shakers, Style, Shopping, Trends, Happenings and More at Lake Norman When the sweltering days of August turn to September, it’s nice to catch an autumn breeze outside. And what better way to spend a few hours on a Saturday in September than to stroll around a picturesque 32-acre Huntersville farm, grab some delicious food-truck bites and shop—all for a good cause. After two COVID-19-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021, Hinds’ Feet Farm is thrilled to finally be able to present their fundraiser, “Paddockpalooza!” On Sept. 17, rain or shine, there will be a variety of premium wares from 44 vendors and refreshments from six food trucks, ranging from tacos and beer to sweets. There will also be artisans demonstrating blacksmithing, making apple butter and creating pottery. Parking is free, and Hinds’ Feet still welcomes volunteers interested in helping with Paddockpalooza! “We’re excited to show off our beautiful facility here in Huntersville and not only raise awareness about the farm but also brain injuries,” says Amanda Mewborn, development director of Hinds’ Feet Farm. Established in 2000, non-profit Hinds’ Feet Farm was the long-time vision of the late Carolyn “Puddin” Johnson Van Every Foil. In 1984, her youngest son, Phil, then 16, suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident. Puddin, along with her husband, Martin, made it their life’s work to create a loving environment where survivors could reach their highest potential post-injury. Deeply spiritual, Puddin drew the name “Hinds’ Feet Farm” from Biblical scripture (Habakkuk 3:19): “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Today, Hinds’ Feet Farm offers holistic and wellness day programs in Huntersville and Asheville to people living with brain injuries. Both offer dynamic on-site and community-based cognitive, creative, emotional, social, physical, and pre-vocational activities. Some therapeutic activities involve interaction with horses and other farm animals. Hinds’ Feet also has two residential programs in Huntersville at Puddin’s Place and Hart Cottage. Puddin’s Place, a six-bed family care home, is for adults who need moderate to maximum help. Three-bed Hart Cottage is designed to help adults with brain injuries who are independent but require mild to moderate assistance. “We have the perfect venue for the event, and what better way to get people out here than to have a fun day of shopping, food trucks and music?” Mewborn says.

Paddockpalooza! by Karel Bond Lucander File photo by Jamie Cowles Hinds’ Feet Farm debuts new Fundraiser

The fundraiser will take place at Hinds’ Feet Farm on Sept. 17th Visit www.hindsfeetfarm.org or call 704.992.1424.