Ramblin’ Vewe Farm hosts a day of exploration and fun

GILFORD — The lure of the farm is more evident today than in past years. People long for a simple life, not easier, but a life "grounded" in the soil, the sun, the rain, and the green grass. A day set aside to come and experience what it is like to live off the "fat of the land," to hear chickens sing and sheep bleat offers us a glimpse into the sweet richness of farm life.

On Sept. 25, the Ramblin Vewe Farm on Morrill Street, hosted a day of exploration and fun for those who came to see sheep grazing on open field, to see sheep shorn by Jeff Keyser, the shepherd, and to ride in a wagon to the pumpkin patch to collect pumpkins for decorating. In a scavenger hunt, as many as 90 children ran through sun-drenched fields to find items connected to the land, winning prizes for their enthusiastic efforts.

The shepherd's hut was open for exploration and purchases. Guests to the farm also enjoyed demonstrations of carding, felting, and spinning of wool. Old New England melodies, Scottish melodies, great country music, and music of John Denver and Herman's Hermits drifted over the field where children catapulted apples and took part in tug of war. Gus, Kathy Salanitro’s majestic ox, was bellowing and gazing at the activities taking place around him.