Chatsworth Farm Open Farm Days Event

Horse drawn carriage to take people to and from the grounds. Photo Sonya Lee

Over 600 visitors made their way to Chatsworth Farm, just 15 minutes northwest, for the farm’s 6th annual Alberta Open Farm Days, an event that brought rural life to the forefront through hands-on learning, authentic farm experiences, and a vibrant showcase of Alberta-made products. At Chatsworth Farm, guests of all ages experienced the heart of agriculture up close and left with full hearts and, in many cases, full coolers.

Saturday, August 16th, marked the culmination of months of preparation, as Chatsworth Farm welcomed guests from across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond to explore the inner workings of their multigenerational family farm. With free admission and a strong emphasis on education and sustainability, the event offered something for everyone: cooking demos, guided livestock tours, an artisan farmers market, live music, face painting, sheep shearing, equine demos, community partner displays, and the farm’s pop-up farm shop stocked with beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and merchandise.

One of the highlights of the day was the chance to interact with the farm’s animals, from holding day-old chicks, to giving pigs a good scratch, to feeling freshly shorn wool. Visitors were invited to connect with animals in meaningful, respectful ways, far beyond what any petting zoo could offer. Chatsworth Farm emphasized that animal welfare and comfort are top priorities, ensuring all interactions happened on the animals’ terms.

The bustling artisan farmers market featured more than 25 vendors from across Alberta and Saskatchewan. From handmade pottery and baked goods to cider, jewelry, salsa, and distillery offerings, the market celebrated rural entrepreneurship. Many vendors were returning faces who have supported the event since its early years, while new participants brought fresh energy and creativity to the mix.

Adding to the charm of the day was live music from Edmonton duo The Western Thistles, providing a warm backdrop to an event steeped in storytelling and community connection. Chatsworth Farm’s pop-up shop, run by volunteers and tucked beside the cooking demos and gelato stand, saw steady traffic throughout the day. This year’s new additions: hats, cooking tallow and lard, and pepperoni and Old

School Cheesery snack packs proved popular alongside the farm’s usual array of meats. Guests who pre-ordered were able to pick up curated packages, while others browsed, asked questions, and grabbed recipe cards to bring the farm-to-table experience home.

While the event remains free to attend, Chatsworth Farm noted it would not be possible without the generosity of all their incredible sponsors. With no government funding supporting individual farms, contributions from local businesses and community supporters remain vital to the event’s success.

Notably absent this August was the farm’s monthly delivery run to Edmonton, an intentional pause to accommodate the demands of hosting such a large event. Visitors were encouraged to pick up their orders directly, and for many, it marked their first visit to the farm in person.

The Wasylik family also reflected on the evolution of their Open Farm Days since first joining in 2020.

Though the event has grown in scope and offerings, its mission remains unchanged: to foster meaningful connections between Albertans and the land that feeds them.

From the heartfelt thank-you’s to the thoughtful FAQ posted ahead of time, Chatsworth Farm once again proved that Agri-tourism isn’t just about education it’s about experience, authenticity, and community.