Hobby Farms Calendar
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Find trade shows, conferences, workshops, festivals and more for hobby farmers and rural enthusiasts. You'll find them all listed on our calendar of events from around the country.
November 2009
October 25-November 25
Savor the landscape paintings of artist Joe M. Ruiz at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in his show Southern Tableau. As with all his paintings, Ruiz tries to capture the lush environment of the Southeast and express his love for nature; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 4-6
Savor the taste of northern Italy’s Lombardy region and pick up an impressive wine vocabulary with the guided wine tastings at the Piazza Italia Wines of Lombardy in Short Hills, N.J. Engage in two days of free wine tastings and mini courses and end the week with the Piazza Italia Gala, all proceeds of which benefit the Association of Volunteers in International Service and Italian Operatic Experience; 908-212-7846
November 5-7
Join farmers, from beginners to experienced, and experts from across the country for the
17th National Small Farm Trade Show and Conference at Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia, Mo. This year’s theme, “Education is the Key to Success,” will incorporate information on income opportunities for traditional and alternative farm enterprises as well as seminars on poultry, soil fertility, organics, marketing, alternative crops, conservation planning, cover crops and much more; 800-633-2535;
Website Information >>
November 6
Bring your little nature lovers to the Friday morning
Sweet Pea Club at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to engage them in different “earthy” activities. The weekly programs include: Suga Magnolia’s Pollination Nectar, Adventures with Oli Earthworm in the Soil, Madame Squirrel’s Restaurant, A Visit with Old Man Spruce; 706-542-1244;
Website Information >>
November 6
Work in the woods to learn how to integrate forest management into your small farm at PASA Field Day. See first-hand how the East Waterford, Penn., Blue Rooster Farm manages its cows and sheep on forestland with strategic and cost-effective planning; 814-349-9856; Website Information >>
November 7-8
This year’s New England Coastal Classic Alpaca Show in Worcester, Mass., is packed with opportunities to learn about these animals and the business and lifestyle opportunities they offer. See alpacas in competition, shop for alpaca-fiber products and alpaca tack, and enjoy free seminars; Website Information >>
November 7
It’s not too early to be thinking about next spring’s garden with the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s Fall Bulb Sale in Columbia, S.C. All bulbs are hand-selected by the garden’s staff of horticulturists and include a wide variety of unique and common bulbs; 803-779-8717; Website Information >>
November 7
Learn what makes your plants grow with the Basic Botany course at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Join Professor Robert Wyatt in observing plant systems, discussing nutrient movements, and exploring flower pollination, seed dispersal and germination; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 7
Join the folks at Lover’s Leap Vineyards & Winery in Lexington, Ky., as they put their vines to sleep for the winter at the 2nd Annual Hibernation Celebration. Choose from an amazing harvest menu while the mood is set with music by Roger Bondurant and the Gray Squirrels; 502-839-1299; Website Information >>
November 9
Jumpstart the process to protect your family farm and financial assets by attending the Advanced Estate Planning Workshop hosted by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. The second in a four-part series on estate planning, the workshop topics include selling or keeping the farm business in the family, transferring assets within the family, preparing the family for asset transfer and more; 301-274-1922
November 10
Brighten up your container gardens with a crash course in Fall Container Planting at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Landscape architect Connie Cottingham will discuss design like color, form and balance and share tips on choosing a container, potting mixes and more; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 12-15
If you’re interested in horses, you’ll enjoy Equine Affaire in West Springfield, Mass. Take part in seminars, clinics and demos; the Pfizer Fantasia celebration; the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition; and the largest equine-related trade show in the East; 740-845-0085; Website Information >>
November 12-15
Celebrate gourmet food coupled with fine wine in Whistler, British Columbia. Sit in on seminars led by critics and wine professionals, or enjoy a multi-course meal paired with a variety of wines at Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food; Website Information >>
November 12
Diversify your garden by learning how to incorporate native plants into your landscape at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Designing with Native Plants course. The basic principles of good design will be covered and attention will be given to providing habitat for native wildlife; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 12
Before you start baking cookies, learn how to entertain with a festive holiday flare at Flourish: A Girlfriend Tea and Flower Arranging Event hosted by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Enjoy tea and treats while learning floral arrangement from expert event designers. Call your best friends to attend this festive party filled with ideas about holiday entertaining; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 13-14
Do your part for heritage and rare by attending the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s Annual Conference in Raleigh, N.C. Take part in sessions about incorporating rare breeds into your farm plan, genetic technologies for breed conservation, and marketing and management tools and strategies; plus meet others dedicated to preserving these animals; 919-542-5704; Website Information >>
November 13-15
Learn how to transform your home into a fun and practical part of the ecological world at State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s Sustainability: Bring It Home! workshop. This weekend-long event is filled with interactive presentations and hands-on sessions that educate and inspire participants to create home systems to meet their needs for food, water and energy as locally, sustainably and economically as possible; 706-542-1244; Website Information >>
November 14
Experience Historic Thanksgiving at Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth, N.H., with good food, a warm fire, country crafts and a dose of history. Traditional foods will be prepared on the open hearth using historic recipes; Remick Museum’s horses will give carriage rides; and a turkey-dressing demonstration—from slaughtering to storing—will take place for anyone wishing to take part; 800-686-6117; Website Information >>
November 20-22
The art of storytelling is worth practicing to pass on your family’s heritage to future generations. Visit the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C., for the Grab That Story and Tell It! workshop with Ted Cooley to learn basic storytelling techniques; 800-FOLK-SCH; Website Information >>
November 21-January 3
Bundle up and experience the wonder of nearly one million twinkling lights at Lights Before Christmas presented by the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C. In addition to admiring the holiday décor, take a photo with Santa and roast marshmallows at the Jingle Bell Bonfire; 803-779-8717; Website Information >>
November 27-28
Adams Farm’s Quilt and Fiber Arts Loft Sheep Shearing Weekend in Wilmington, Vt., features a collection of spun, knit, woven and quilted product; ongoing demonstrations of sheep and goat shearing and yard spinning; pony rides; historical presentations; and holiday shopping in the Farm Store and Quilt & Fiber Arts Loft; 802-464-3762; Website Information >>
November 27-29
Pioneer families made a custom of gathering fruit in late fall to cook apple butter from the last of the crop. Share in this tradition at Rileys at Los Rios Rancho’s Apple Butter Festival in Oak Glen, Calif. You’ll also enjoy pioneer crafts and games, music, carriage rides and a chuckwagon apple butter competition; 909-797-1005; Website Information >>
November 28-December 20
More than 100 artists, craftspeople and galleries in Berkeley, Calif., open their doors for Berkeley Artisans Holiday Open Studios on Saturdays and Sundays. See blown glass, ceramics, ornaments, lamps, furniture, garden art, floor cloths, clothing, musical instruments, work from recycled materials and much more. This self-guided tour allows you to meet the artists, buy original and creative gifts and see working craft studios; Website Information >>
December 2009December 1-3 Visit Illinois’ largest indoor farm show when the
Greater Peoria Farm Show fills the Peoria Civic Center. See advancements in farm equipment, forage technology and livestock; 507-437-7969;
Website Information >> December 4-5 Everything you need to know about managing pests in a sustainable-agriculture operation will be discussed at the
Sustainable Agriculture Pest Management Conference in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Topics include insect threats to IPM users and organic growers, weed management without synthetic herbicides, and an insect- and pest-identification workshop; 831-423-2263;
Website Information >> December 4-6 Don’t miss this opportunity for new and experienced farmers, gardeners and sustainable-agriculture supporters alike. The
Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Black Mountain, N.C., hostsed by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association includes tours and workshops on produce, animal health, organic certification, urban farms and more; 919-542-2402;
Website Information >> December 4-6 There’s something cooking at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C.
Sweetie Pies, taught by Olivia Anderson, will give you hands-on experience making pie crusts and sweet and savory fillings; 800-FOLK-SCH;
Website Information >> December 5 Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at
Shirley Plantation’s Annual Open House in Charles City, Va. Relax with hot cider by the fireplace and enjoy the lights and decorations around this southern plantaion. Attend church services during the Role of Religion program, highlighting the influence of religious customs and church policy on Christmas traditions, and sit in on the telling of family stories dating back to the early 1800s; 800-232-1613;
Website Information >> December 5 If you’re eager to deck the halls and trim the tree, attend
Family Day at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to join others in making holiday ornaments from natural materials. Carols sung by the Meridian Women’s Choir and holiday cookies and snacks are sure to put you in the spirit of the season; 706-542-6014;
Website Information >>December 6 Warm up your winter at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s
Holiday Open House, where the tropical conservatory will be decked in holiday décor to celebrate garden birds. Musical entertainment includes performance by The Georgia Children’s Chorus, The Solstice Sisters and The Classic City Band, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to take photos with children and listen to their wish lists; 706-542-6014;
Website Information >>