Tractors, Farms, Holiday Fests . . . And Twinkling Lights Abound

"More so than perhaps any other profession, farmers and ranchers are connected to their craft. They have to be. Agriculture is one of those few jobs where life and livelihood are interwoven. The same values they employ to raise their families are naturally reflected in the food and fiber produced for your holiday table." - from the American Farm Bureau Federation.




'Tis the season to go look at the lights and take time for farm visits - Deerfield Farm in Durham will host a holiday fest on Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the farm, corner of Pent Road and Parmelee Hill. Crepes and coffee, fresh from the farm dairy products, live music, local products from artisans. For more information, call (860) 301-7828.

The granddaddy of all holiday treats - skating in full view of the Rockefellar Center's decorated tree (which was grown in Connecticut). Contrast the buzzing city that is New York with a weekend viewing of lights in Mystic - the village or downtown.

Northern Lights Express to Santa’s Workshop happens in Thomaston, Nov. 28 to Dec. 27. Festival of light displays inside and out, with a train taking passengers on a journey to Santa's Train Workshop. Shop inside the decorated, historic 1881 Thomaston Station, where you can find that perfect gift. Railroad Museum of New England, 242 E. Main Street. Departures at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Information, (860) 283-7245 or visit www.rmne.org/trainrides. Photo, RR Museum of New England.

Festival of Lights at Olde Mistick Village is Dec. 1 to Dec. 11. More than 4,000 luminaries light the walkways of Olde Mistick Village. All shops are open late. Enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Meeting House and holiday music by Ragtime Too from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Outdoor entertainment includes Too Tall Guys, Holiday Jesters, Parallel String Band, carolers and many surprises. The Festive Brass will be performing in the Gazebo from 6 to 9:30 p.m.; (860) 536-4941.

Christmas in Clinton unfolds Dec. 6, along East and West Main Street with Santa arriving at Andrews Memorial Town Hall and the lighting of the Christmas tree at 4:30 p.m. Activities also include caroling, tree lighting, bazaar, Farm on Wheels petting zoo, Sailing Masters of 1812 Colonial Fife and Drum Corp. For more information, call (860) 669-3889 or visit clintonct.com.
A little bit of a country drive - Connecticut Audubon’s Holiday Nature Store opens this Saturday at the nature center on Route 169 in Pomfret. Hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23.

Country Weekend: Real Food, Farm Markets, Real People, Pure Fun

What do a mini horse stallion, red Farmall tractor, a Santa-hatted rooster and a wheelbarrow full of bright-hued yarns have in common?

All will converge with people out and about at great events this weekend. Those ambitious enough can pick up cold-weather fresh Brussell sprouts and turnips for the Thanksgiving feast or try bidding on a cutie-pie goat or horse to add to the zoo at home. There's two indoor farmers markets (holidays anyone?) and a fun- for- all tractor pull with Santa on site.


Saturday:

A horse and pony auction happens on Saturday, Nov. 21. Actually, four goats, a Morab, an Arab and seven Quarter horses, and six horses from UConn.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture auction is at UConn Horsebarn Hill arena. Preview is 10 a.m.; auction at 1 p.m.
For more information call Linda Wenner, state animal control officer, (860) 713-2567.

Hand-crafted gifts, fresh (seasonal) produce and other delights at the holiday (indoor) edition of Hebron Farmers Market on Saturday, Nov. 21. Inside the First Congregational Church Hall, doors open at 10 a.m. Linked is a complete listing of artisans and farm products.



Sunday:

The Running Brook Farms Third Annual Tractor Pull is Sunday, Nov. 22, in Killingworth. Weigh in at 7 a.m.; pulling starts at 8:30 a.m. Kids can visit with Santa; refreshments will be available.
Location is 219 Route 80, Killingworth.

The first ever WinterFresh Coventry Farmers's Market is Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2, p.m. at Coventry High School, 78 Ripley Hill Road (just off Rt. 31) in Coventry.

Seasonal produce (fresh) includes kale, Romaine and green leaf head lettuce, white Japanese hakurie turnips, herbs, baby bok choi, broccoli, garlic, and much more.

Farms include Dondero Orchards: apples, pears, butternut squash, cabbage, made-on-the-farm jams, jellies, pickles, and apple and pumpkin pies; KD Crop Farm: potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, squash, turnips, kale, eggs, and pickles. Grass-fed beef, lamb, and fresh seafood, too.

Beaver Brook Farm will bring lamb, veal, pastured chicken, lamb sausage, and savory lamb stew.

Farm to Hearth Flatbread pizzas will be made to order when you arrive or boxed for take out.