Chatsworth Farm excited for tours

ferent prairie gardening books,” said Wasylik.

Alberta Open Farm Days are fast approaching, and the crew over at Chatsworth Farms can’t wait to open the gate and share their passion for agriculture.

The event is set to take place on their farm, about 15 minutes north of Vermilion on Aug. 19 from 11-5.

Event organizer, Charlotte Wasilyk, says it’s their fourth year offering the farm tours and they’ve added a few new elements this year.

“Some of the new things this year we have include live music. Our musical performer is Mallory Chipman, who is a singer/songwriter from Edmonton. Mallory is the musical artist in residence for the Edmonton Public Library,” said Wasylik. Chipman will be doing three sets throughout the afternoon.

“Another new piece this year is a book signing with a master gardener from Calgary. Sheryl Normandeau is the author of many dif -

“So whether it’s about fruits or perennials, if people have questions about gardening or the trees in their yard, Sheryl will be the perfect person to ask. And people can purchase one of her new books or get their books signed.”

Next to Normandeau’s table will be a planting station where folks can get their hands dirty.

“People will get to plant little alfalfa seeds and get to take that home; those will grow and sprout. They can put those on their steaks, on their salads and sandwiches. Our event space predominantly takes place on an alfalfa field, so it just really connects that together,” Wasylik explained.

“Our regular and returning activities that are happening throughout the day include machinery demonstrations, we’re doing our guided farm tours and the farm tours do have a new animal that is going to be highlighted this year—we added pigs to our farm last year. People will get to meet the pigs, give them a scratch; they really enjoy that. That’ll be a new piece for the farm tour.”

The tour is completely free, they just ask you register online by clicking on the link on the farm’s website: chatsworthfarm.ca.

They ask visitors leave pets at home and recommend wearing closed-toed shoes as well as bringing hats and sunscreen.

Wasylik noted visitors may want to bring cash for the BBQ lunch available on site as well as to purchase products from a unique group of ven - dors that will also be in attendance.

“An ever-growing piece of the event is our artisan market, and we have 18 vendors this year,” said Wasylik.

“They are farmers, they are makers, breweries and distilleries. Some of the ones from the Lloyd area include 4th Meridian Brew - ing Company. We have Berry View Farms from Marshall, Saskatchewan, and then we also have Six Acre Homestead from Kitscoty.”

The event has grown since its inception in 2019 and Wasylik says it’s largely due to community support.

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