Free Family Fun Celebrating Ventura County Farm Day This Weekend!

by Visit Ventura

Forty-five baby alpacas have just been born at Alpacas at Windy Hill in Somis, where guests can chat with alpaca breeders, watch alpacas on an obstacle course, and learn more about the ranch that breeds and sheers alpacas and sells their fleece. Guests who visit Diamond W Cattle Company in Ventura can participate in hay rides through the cattle pasture, or simply show up to chat one-on-one with farmers. At Gills Onions in Oxnard, guests will receive free onions and watch an educational video about onion production. At Friends Ranch in Ojai, guests will learn the history of citrus and have the chance to make their own fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“Farm Day is a great opportunity to give people a full-circle picture of what is in their own backyard and the importance of Ventura County agriculture — not only to Ventura County but the state and the country,” Smith said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to see places not open to the public on a daily basis.”

-Ventura County Star Farm Day kicks off on Friday, Nov. 4 with a food and farm film fest at 5 p.m. at Mission Park, downtown Ventura, and begins in earnest on Saturday, Nov. 5. Those wishing to take part in Farm Day can see a list of participating farms by visiting www.venturacountyfarmday.com.

“Farm Day features countywide tours of over 20 farms and ends with a celebration featuring a locally-sourced barbecue dinner and a “farm-to-bar” cocktail menu. The focus of the day, of course, is on the producers themselves, with each farm offering a unique experience for those who choose to visit.”

-VC Reporter The barbecue is at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in the San Miguel Building from 4 to 9 p.m. Live entertainment will feature country music by Coldwater Canyon. Locally made craft beers and wines will be available, as well as farm-fresh food by Young Farmers & Rangers. Tickets for the barbecue are $40 for adults and $15 for children under 12. For more information, visit www.venturacountyfarmday.com/bbq.php.