Farm Day! Sherborn To Celebrate Its Agricultural Heritage

As Sherborn marks its 350th year of incorporation, the town is gearing up for a special event that brings its agricultural heritage to life—Farm Day! On Sunday, September 8th, Sherborn invites residents and visitors alike to explore the rich history, vibrant present, and promising future of farming in their community. This celebration offers a unique opportunity to step onto the fields and into the stories of the people and animals that have shaped Sherborn’s landscape for generations

Start your day by picking up a Sherborn Farm Day Schedule and Kids Activity Kit, available from Wednesday, September 4th on, at the Sherborn Library or the Sherborn Town Hall. The kit includes a Farm Day Passport, Farm Day Bingo Card, and a few farm-themed surprises to engage young visitors as they embark on their farm adventures. The schedule and details are also available online www.sites.google.com/view/sherborn-farms.

One of the must-visit stops on Farm Day is Unity Farm Sanctuary, where the spirit of compassion is at the heart of everything they do. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, you can take a self-guided tour of the sanctuary, which provides a safe haven for animals in need. As you stroll through the property, you’ll encounter alpacas, llamas, horses, and more, all cared for with the utmost kindness. Don’t miss the 4.5 miles of wooded trails, perfect for a scavenger hunt with the kids. Unity Farm, founded in 2016, has become a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community in caring for both animals and people.

For a taste of Sherborn’s long-standing agricultural tradition, head over to Dowse Orchards, a farm that has been thriving for an impressive 245 years. Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the farmstand on North Main Street is stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, their famous apple desserts, and apple cider, arriving at the end of September. At 10:00 AM, join in the time-honored tradition of apple picking at their orchards on Rockwood Street. Later, at noon, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the farm, where you’ll learn about the history and operations of this beloved Sherborn landmark.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy the peaceful serenity of Cloudberry Farm, a delightful small flower farm with the occasional appearance of vegetables and fruit. Cloudberry Farm invites farm guests to wander through a beautiful forest garden that has been carefully cultivated over the past twelve years. Enjoy the vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of late-summer blossoms while browsing farm-fresh floral bouquets. As you wander through the farm, you’ll discover Cloudberry Farm’s commitment to sustainability and organic practices makes it a favorite among local florists and visitors alike.

Equestrian enthusiasts will find their haven at Willow Tree Farm. From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, this full-service horse boarding facility opens its doors to the public. Meet the resident horses and learn about the intricacies of horsemanship and equestrian sports. A fun, horse-themed trivia game will keep everyone entertained, while the farm’s peaceful setting offers a perfect spot to appreciate the beauty of these majestic animals.

Sunshine Farm invites you to celebrate the harvest season, open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This third-generation family farm, known for its wide variety of fruits and vegetables, is a local treasure. Spend the day picking your own apples, shopping the farm stand, and then treat yourself to some homemade ice cream while taking in the scenic farm views. Sunshine Farm has been a part of the Sherborn community since 1937, evolving from a dairy farm into a thriving hub for fresh produce and family fun.

At Hopestill Farm, you can delve into the world of organic farming with tours of their gardens and hoop houses at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Established in the early 1800s and farmed organically for over forty years, Hopestill Farm is dedicated to nurturing the healthiest soil to produce the healthiest food. The Leland family, descendants of one of Sherborn’s founders, continues to uphold the tradition of sustainable farming, ensuring that the land remains fertile and productive for generations to come. Offering seasonal produce through their spring, summer, and fall CSA subscriptions, Hopestill Farm also provides custom orders filled daily to meet the needs of the community. As the holiday season approaches, the farm also offers cut-your-own certified organic Christmas trees.

For families with young children, Silverwood Organic Farm offers a variety of activities from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including farm arts and crafts, field games, and tractor rides. This farm is on a mission to restore historic farmland and produce certified organic, locally grown produce. The farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is expanding from summer produce and flower shares to now offering new shares for mushrooms plus fall and winter harvest shares. Don’t miss the “Seed Saving” farm tour at 1:00 PM or the tractor rides at 2:00 PM—both perfect opportunities to learn more about sustainable farming practices. Tractors will be on display and certified organic produce will also be available for purchase.

As you visit these farms, keep an eye out for the "Boggastow Bunch," Sherborn’s historical figures brought to life by the help of local historians Kevin Delaney and Betsy Johnson and DSHS's art teacher, Darren Buck, and his talented students, Mia Lasic-Ellis and Emerson Hirsch. These characters, who have been spotted throughout town during the 350th celebration, share fascinating stories from Sherborn’s past. You might encounter Martha and Joseph Dowse revisiting their homestead or catch a glimpse of Harold Hildreth near his old farm on the corner of Pleasant Street and Western Avenue. These lively reenactments bring Sherborn’s history to life and can make for some fun selfies on Farm Day.

Sherborn’s Farm Day is more than just a celebration of agriculture—it’s a chance to connect with our roots, enjoy the bounty of the harvest, and create lasting memories with family and friends. For more details on farm activities, times, and locations, visit our website at www.sites.google.com/view/sherborn-farms. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 8th, for a day filled with discovery, fun, and community spirit.