A Fun Way to Spend the Day!

A ectionately referred to as Sebastian’s best-kept secret, this 5-acre farm o ers a variety of opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. Yet it is so much more than a place to visit when guests are in town, it is home and a labor of love to Laura LaPorte and her farm family.

Established in 1994 by Sebastian resident Laura LaPorte. This country loving lady grew up on a farm surrounded by cattle, goats, chickens and horses and her love for animals is carried out today in this meticulously maintained farm that simply asks for donations for folks coming to visit.

Serving as an inspiration for so many, LaPorte regularly hosts special events for school children, the elderly in assisted living, veterans, and those with special needs. In fact, she herself is confined to a wheelchair after a serious car crash in 1999 and the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy before su ering from a stroke in 2015, which left her without the use of her arms or legs. Yet, with the help of family, friends and community partners, this familyfriendly farm remains a beacon of light for anyone who discovers this petting farm located just minutes from US Hwy 1 and I-95.

“Though I am limited as to where I can go and what I can do by myself, I have a great support system around me and in this sanctuary, I am able to always think up ways to help others while also getting people out here to experience the many lessons often only learned from farm life,” Laura iterates.

The entire farm and property are handicap accessible and those with disabilities are embraced at LaPorte Farms in a variety of ways from special dances and events to a new art studio that helps each person see what they can do more so than what they cannot.

As a proud American with deep roots in honoring our nation’s

LaPorte Farms

7700 129th Street

Sebastian, FL (772) 633-0813 bravest, service dogs are welcome. Better still, a new veteran fishing pond is in the works where local vets can come, have co ee and fish in a peaceful setting full of stocked bass and tilapia. Speaking of fresh fish and food, plan to make a nice day out of your visit on the weekends as La Porte Farms provides lunch for purchase including hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage with peppers and onions, popcorn, as well as drinks/snacks.

Hours: M-F: 8am to 2pm S & S: 8am to 4pm Admission is Donation Sponsorship Opportunities always available!

Of course, it is not just us humans that get hungry out of the farm. With the most eclectic array of animals, there are always easy to grab critter food options available for a small fee that help make each one your new best friend. Some of the favorites include:

• “Baby Girl” the Zebra

• “Reba” the Donkey

• “Billy Bob” the goat

• “Chester” the Zebu

• “Barry” the Cockatoo

• “Moondance and Fanci” the Llamas

• “Skippy the Kangaroo” with an all-new pen

• “Joker” & “Chipperdoodles” miniature horses available for pony rides daily

With this month’s focus on mothers, it is no surprise that Laura LaPorte goes above and beyond for all the magical events hosted on her property, though she has a special place in her heart for the ones that pay homage to motherhood and family. La Porte Farms is available for private parties including weddings, family reunions, birthday parties and more with built-in entertainment and fun that will satisfy guests for hours. With a focus on sharing their passion for farm life, not for profit, some other annual events La Porte hosts include:

• Summer Camps (Registration open now)/ June 5th, June 19th, July 10th, July 19th & July 31st. Bring: Lunch, snacks, drinks, swimsuit, and a towel. Cost is $195 per week/per person.

• Back to School Family Fun Day: Jul 29, 11am – 1pm

• Splash on the Farm: June 3, July 1, Aug 5th 10-2pm

• Kid’s Fishing Tournaments: May 6 & July 15 10am – 2am

• Fall Festival with haunted barn and hayrides

• Cowboy Christmas

• Plus, LaPorte Farms o ers field trips year-round. Understanding the need to be mobile, Laura and her dedicated team has come up with the Lama-Gram. No matter the occasion, having Moondance or Fanci join the event with their best themed hat and personality will be a hit for all and really helps keep the LaPorte name in the community. Just $250 for any function throughout Indian River County; now that is thinking outside the box for sure!

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