Clallam County Farm Tour
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3.
Where: Local farms throughout county
Cost: $10 per carload gets access to all farms. Free admission if touring by bike.
More info: Visit clallam.wsu.edu and access a printable tour map
Engaging the community with the bounties of local agriculture, the 19th annual Clallam County Farm Tour aims to showcase the diverse farms sprouted across the Sequim-Dungeness Valley on Saturday, Oct. 3.
“Our rural farming culture has long been a part of who we are and this whole day is to celebrate that,” Tom Sanford, North Olympic Land Trust executive director, said.
The unique chance to tour the area’s farms began nearly 20 years ago as a product of the longstanding relationship between Washington State University Clallam County Extension and Friends of the Fields. Since 2010 and the merge of Friends of the Fields with the North Olympic Land Trust, officials with the trust and Extension have co-sponsored what’s become an annual tradition.
“Farm Tour offers the opportunity for participants to take in how amazing our natural landscape is while learning more about how our food grows,” Sanford said. “Every attendee will get a personal look at the abundance of food resources we have available in our county.”
Last year’s Farm Tour connected about 1,800 individuals with nearby farms and farmers.
“For many people this might be the only time they’re able to get out on the farms,” Clea Rome, WSU Clallam County Extension director, said.
To reflect the types of farms among the 300-plus found within the county, seven farms varying in different facets of the agricultural industry are participating in this year’s tour.
The focuses of the farms range from commercial lavender production to a raw milk creamery, to a school.
“We hope that individuals walk away from the event feeling inspired by the culture of local farming in Clallam County,” Rome said.
A new addition to the tour is the historical Agnew Grocery and Feed store.
“I think having the store on the tour shows the value of small and independent businesses and the connection they provide between farmers and the community,” Rome said.
In visiting the store, tour goers will find antique tractors on display, a small petting zoo, live music from local artists, a U-pick pumpkin patch, food and drinks and a fresh produce stand from the neighboring Johnston Farms.
“We are super excited to be added to the farm tour this year,” Chris Frankfurth, owner of Agnew Grocery and Feed, said. “This store has made it 89 years now supported by the hard-working people of this farming community and we are proud to show the store as a place that many generations can remember going as ‘When I was a kid, I remember … ‘”
Other tour stops include Lazy J Tree Farm, Freedom Farm, Dungeness Valley Creamery, Nash’s Organic Produce, Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm and Five Acre School, an independent school serving students pre-K through sixth grade.
“Having a school on the tour is wonderful because you get to see how children can be engaged with agriculture at a young age,” Rome said.
Although the activities, demonstrations, music, food and fun differ from farm to farm, the entire day is family oriented, she said.
The taste of freshly pressed apple cider from a 1935 antique cider press can be enjoyed at Five Acre School, along with guided walks through the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge. At Jardin du Soleil Lavender Farm, visitors can learn about caring for, harvesting and processing lavender and watch distillation demonstrations.
Tour the packing shed, greenhouses and fields and see milling demonstrations at Nash’s Organic Produce. Then enjoy hayrides, barn tours of the milking parlor and interactive butter-making and yogurt-making classes at Dungeness Valley Creamery.
For horse lovers, visit Freedom Farm to see a 120-acre beef cattle and hay farm in motion and learn about the natural horsemanship school where pony rides, demonstrations and horse skits can be enjoyed.
At Lazy J Tree Farm, take a hayride through the Christmas tree farm and certified organic orchard. Experience vegetable production and see a large-scale composting operation, learn about beekeeping and honey processing all while listening to local musicians.
Coinciding with the Clallam County Farm Tour is the North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at the
Sequim Civic Center Plaza, 152 W. Cedar St. Throughout the day watch demonstrations on processing fiber, stroll through the market with locally produced fiber goods and visit the exhibition, “Fostered Fiber” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Museum and Arts Center.
The fiber arts festival kicks off on Friday, Oct. 2, and continues through Sunday, Oct. 4. Visit FiberArtsFestival.org for the full schedule and more information.
Lastly, after the tour, Nash’s Organic Produce is hosting a community potluck at 6 p.m. and a barn dance beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the packing shed, 1865 E. Anderson Road, where the music of Stringology and Blue Rooster will resonate through the valley.
A separate event admission of $10 is required for all adults. Wine and beer will be served by the North Olympic Land Trust.
