The Winchester Star

Hedgebrook welcomes 1,000 guests

By Stephanie Mangino
The Winchester Star

Kernstown — The Frederick County Farm Bureau’s second annual Farm Fun Day lived up to its name Saturday at Hedgebrook Farm.

Families wandered all over the 75-acre dairy farm and agri-tourism destination off Shady Elm Road, petting animals, taking hayrides, riding ponies, and checking out the atmosphere of a working farm.

Mary Connelly, 31, of Winchester, attended with her friend, 32-year-old Erika Francis, and Francis’ children, Pierce, 3, and Tyson, 6.

"The kids love animals, and we thought we’d come out and pet some animals," Connelly said as Pierce fed a goat a piece of greenery.

Francis said Tyson, who had previously visited the farm with his class at Redbud Run Elementary School, was particularly taken with the pony he rode on Saturday.

"He loves Toby the horse," she said.

Francis said the group made its way through most of the farm’s attractions, which varied greatly.

She noted the peacocks that frequently appeared, said Mary got a kick out of the potbellied pigs — a mud pit was made for them on the humid morning — and mentioned that aside from riding the horse, her elder son had another experience with one of the farm’s denizens.

"Tyson held a baby chick," she said.