This article brought to you by Valor of the Lake Alarms
Article by Victoria Heerschap
Stone Soup Farm is proud to present their third annual Summer Berry Picking Faire, an event that outshines your average you-pick experience. Denise Hampton, accounts manager for Stone Soup Farm, tells us that the farm, owned by Tim and Faith Riley, has entered into a co-op with their neighboring farm, owned by Tim’s parents, Dennis and Sharon Riley of Riley’s Apple Farm. This venture benefits Faire-goers by adding raspberries and some early apples to the, “already abundant wild blackberries.” Guests will wander through the verdant groves, taking their pick from vine-ripened berries. The Faire is more than just berry picking; visitors can shop for jams, syrups, and other fruit-inspired confections at the Marketplace Marquee, as well as activities including birdhouse and doll making, and panning for gems.
Denise says the farm employs the spelling “Faire” in order to hearken back to a simpler, pastoral time. They want to cultivate a feeling of history and community; people gathered together to pick, harvest, and celebrate their bounty. When asked about her favorite part about the Summer Berry Picking Faire, Denise said her favorite part is, “The experience. Coming up the hill into Oak Glen, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you arrive at these particular farms and are immediately relieved, relaxed. The staff members are kind and knowledgeable. The scenery is beautiful. Picking fruit, especially the wild bramble berries bring forth a natural curiosity and joy that cannot be replaced in any market environment. It is an easy and lovely place to just ‘be’ with yourself, your family, your friends, your community.”
The Summer Berry Picking Faire has run through the month of August, and will continue until the official beginning of Apple Season on Labor Day Weekend. The farm may add additional berry picking dates, depending on crop production. The Faire will be open this Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., so come on down and pick your fill. For pricing and more information, visit Stone Soup Farm online.