Scores of pollinators buzzing in Chatsworth Farm’s verdant garden mirrored the steady thrum of over 500 visitors taking in the sights, sounds, and ambrosial tastes of life lived in harmony with the land on Open Farm Days, Saturday, August 17. A province-wide event, Alberta Open Farm Days invites urban and rural neighbours to visit local participating farms to learn about the production of food and other agriculturally based resources.
The Wasylik family warmly welcomed visitors for their fifth annual Alberta Open Farm Days. The farm was a hive of excitement and education, showcasing the Wasylik family’s dedication to sustainable agriculture.
One of the first thoughtful details visitors noticed upon arrival was the new parking layout, which improved upon last year’s by drawing vehicles away from the main yard and off the country road, making more space for vendors while maintaining accessibility with the help of horse-drawn wagons brought in by Wowk Ranch and golf carts.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about all the livestock the family raises: beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, alongside growing a variety of cereal and legume crops. Visitors could take home a little bit of the farm after the tour, stocking up on eggs, beef, lamb, and their newest offering, pork.
Rick, who established Chatsworth Farm in 1993 and later married Johanna, named the farm after the old Chatsworth school district. The pioneer one-room schoolhouse, visible from their front porch, served as a nostalgic backdrop for the day’s events, symbolizing the area’s rich agricultural history.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of Albertans from all over the province—from Calgary to Bonnyville and everywhere in between—visitors who were eager to connect with the origins of their food and learn about sustainable farming practices. Guests were treated to a variety of activities, including farm tours, machinery demonstrations, live musical performances, and cooking demonstrations by three chefs from Edmonton. The artisan farmers market was a highlight for many, featuring an amazing lineup of vendors.
To accommodate those who found traveling the distance challenging, Chatsworth Farm introduced a ‘Bus With Us’ option, which departed from Edmonton, making the farm even more accessible.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a barbecued hot dog lunch, participated in seed planting and face painting, and took part in wagon rides. They also had the chance to engage with community displays from organizations like the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and Sky Drones Inc.
The event was a resounding success, with many commenting on the quality of vendors, the thoughtful organization, and all the new additions. It offered visitors a meaningful way to connect to the land and provided a deeper understanding of the Wasylik family’s commitment to ethical and sustainable farming. For those who missed the opportunity to attend, the Wasylik family continues to share their farming journey on Instagram, providing a daily glimpse into life at Chatsworth Farm.
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