Fall Pumpkin Centerpieces 10.4.22

Join us at Wakeman Town Farm and make a seasonal fall harvest centerpiece inside real a real pumpkin — perfect for bringing in the fall season

Wakeman Town Farm's Chryse Terrill will instruct you on how to create a stunning fall harvest centerpiece inside a beautiful pumpkin. This is ideal autumnal decor for your home or holiday table. Attendees will choose from a variety of natural materials, including some that have been harvested from Wakeman Town Farm Town Farm's own gardens. At the end of the class, you will take home your unique work of art!

thank you, earth animal, for our little red animal barn!

We would like to take a moment to thank our friends at Earth Animal, who provided the funding for the construction of a new animal barn at Wakeman Town Farm. The newly completed barn will serve as additional shelter for the Farm’s animals, feed storage and veterinary care space.

Earth Animal raised $20,000 through a creative in-store sales promotion called The Little Barn Project, with a percentage of store sales going to the farm in addition to selling Wakeman Town Farm merchandise. Over six months, Earth Animal raised over $10,000 from loyal customers and then matched it, achieving the monetary goal to build the new barn.

“My sister Abbey and I visited Wakeman Town Farm and fell in love with the Farm and all that it does for the community, the animals, children, families and their dedicated sustainability mission,” recalls Merritt Goldstein, of the Goldstein family (pictured here), which owns and operates Earth Animal. “From that moment, we asked what we could do for the Farm and began supplying food for the animals. We quickly realized that the existing animal barn was very run down and needed to be rebuilt,” she said.

Nicole Gerber, of the Wakeman Town Farm Town Farm Committee, said, “We are sincerely grateful for the support of Earth Animal and appreciate their grand donation and fundraising campaign for our new barn. Partnerships with synergistic organizations like Earth Animal can continue to grow the Farm and provide community outreach and sustainability education across all age groups.”

We would also like to thank Paul Harris of Cole Harris Associates, who designed Earth Animal’s new store in Westport, and provided the architectural design for the project. And huge kudos to Pavel Jansa of Fix 2 Sell Realty, who served as the general contractor and brought the vision to life.

Goldstein summed it up: “It was an amazing journey, and our hearts are filled that the animals have a new home. Earth Animal is immensely proud of this project and truly hopes to do more with Wakeman Town Farm in the future.”

Since 1979, Earth Animal of Westport has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing quality of life for animals, people, and the Earth. Sustainability has been at the heart of the company from its beginning and dedicates 1% of its annual net sales to help pioneer a more sustainable future.

sold out! Winter Cooking with Chef Raquel Rivera 12.15.22

Thu, Dec 15, 2022 6:00 PM

One-pot meals are a great thing to have in your repertoire! In this class, we will braise and focus on one-pot meals. We're making a classic meal: Coq au Vin, Mushroom Risotto and a Vegetable Medley w/Rosemary

BYOB: Feel free to bring wine or other beverage of choice

Chef Bio: Chef Raquel graduated with highest honors from the Institute of Culinary Education after completing her externship at Le Bernardin. After working for catering companies Raquel began teaching at a few NYC based cooking studios until opening A Pinch of Salt over 10 years ago. Chef Raquel teaches cooking fundamentals to all ages, focusing on healthy, seasonal, inexpensive meals that are culturally sensitive and delicious. Furthermore, she has trained adults desiring employment in the culinary field who are now vendors of the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. In 2010 Chef Raquel’s work was recognized with an invitation to the White House South Lawn as a part of First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and in 2019 she was awarded Women Business of the Year by the Southern CT Black Chambers of Commerce.

Sold out! basic Kitchen Fundamentals with Chef Raquel Rivera 11.10.22

In this basic cooking fundamentals class, we will prepare a seasonal menu that incorporates kitchen staples, fresh veggies and a lean protein. While making a fall meal, we will learn a few fundamental skills, including how to sautée, roast and make a pan sauce!

Menu: Chicken Piccata w/ Lemon Caper Pan Sauce, Potato Gratin and Roasted Seasonal Veggies

BYOB: Feel free to bring wine or other beverage of choice

Chef Bio: Chef Raquel graduated with highest honors from the Institute of Culinary Education after completing her externship at Le Bernardin. After working for catering companies Raquel began teaching at a few NYC based cooking studios until opening A Pinch of Salt over 10 years ago. Chef Raquel teaches cooking fundamentals to all ages, focusing on healthy, seasonal, inexpensive meals that are culturally sensitive and delicious. Furthermore, she has trained adults desiring employment in the culinary field who are now vendors of the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. In 2010 Chef Raquel’s work was recognized with an invitation to the White House South Lawn as a part of First Lady Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and in 2019 she was awarded Women Business of the Year by the Southern CT Black Chambers of Commerce.


sold out! halloween preschool parade - a spooktacular outing for the littles - ages 0-5 -10.28.22

Time for some Halloween Fun on the Farm! Dress your wee ones in costume, and join us for a Halloween event for parents and littles ages 0-5. Friday Oct. 28, 2-3 p.m.

About this event

Get into the Halloween spirit with your little one(s) at Wakeman Town Farm. Our friends from Music Together of Fairfield County will lead us in a sing-a-long of spooky musical fun. Sing, dance and play with us and join in our musical parade around the gardens, past our animal enclosures! Children ages 0-5 are welcome to attend. Come in costume and bring your camera! Each child will receive a Halloween treat, courtesy of Joni Usdan of Joni Homes Realty.

Please note: No rain date and no refunds. This is a one-time, outdoor-only event that will be cancelled in the event of rain. If we must cancel, all ticket purchases will be considered donations to the Farm and we will leave out the Halloween goodies under a tent at the WTF gate for an honor-system-style pickup.

Family Tickets are good for up to 4 people. Single tickets can be added on for any additional guest(s) attending.

Parking: Please park along Wakeman Drive and enter through the gate at the red pillars.

sold out! intimate fall dinner on the farm 10.6.22

We're celebrating fall with an intimate chef's dinner on the Farm to benefit FEED FAIRFIELD COUNTY, an initiative led by the Staples Student Group, UP l NEXT, to fight food insecurity close to home

Dinner: 10.6.22 @6 p.m. $150 pp. Wine and Bubbly included, courtesy of Greens Farms Spirits

Read About the “Why” for This Event Below

HARVEST DINNER MENU

Starter

Butternut Squash Soup with Spiced Crème Fraiche, Brown Butter Croutons, Pepitas and Sage Crumble

Entrée

Braised Short Ribs with Herb Pistou

Entrée Accompaniments

Truffled Mashed Potatoes

Garlic String Beans

Vegetarian Option

Wild Mushroom Lasagna with Cashew Béchamel and Madeira Mushroom Sauce

Dessert

Warm Apple Tart Tatin with Cinnamon Whipped Cream and Calvados

Beverages

We will be pouring a welcome glass of bubbly, followed by white and red wines provided by Greens Farms Spirits throughout the meal. Feel free to BYOB other adult beverages if you desire. Glassware, ice and openers and bottles of cold water will be provided.

Proceeds from this event, after expenses, will go towards supporting UP/NEXT's initiative to fight hunger in Fairfield County. See below.

Special thanks to Marcia Selden Catering and Greens Farms Spirits

The WHY for this evening's event

UP | NEXT TEENS, A STAPLES STUDENT-FOUNDED AND RUN ORGANIZATION, IS LAUNCHING THE STATE’S LARGEST TEEN-RUN COMMUNITY INITIATIVE, #FEED FAIRFIELD COUNTY.

THROUGH A VARIETY OF YOUTH-LED PROJECTS, EVENTS, AND FUNDRAISERS, SUCH AS THIS EVENING'S DINNER, #FEED FAIRFIELD COUNTY AIMS TO RAISE $25,000 WITH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF SUPPLYING MEALS FOR NEARLY 10,000 RESIDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT ONLY HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUT WILL ALSO GIVE A TEEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A VALUABLE LESSON—YOU’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO CHANGE THE WORLD. ASK YOUR STUDENT SERVER ABOUT TONIGHT'S MISSION!

Cancellation Note: We live in crazy, unpredictable times. Please purchase tickets with the understanding that we cannot issue any refunds, as we still have to pay staff, chefs, ingredients, insurance, overhead, etc. All funds will be used to pay expenses; proceeds after expenses goes towards the charitable cause mentioned above. Thanks for your understanding!

Sold out! OKTOBERFEST-THEMED DINNER WITH CHEF ALISON MILWE GRACE 10.13.22

FALL OKTOBERFEST DINNER 10.13.21

Enjoy a fall dinner with Chef Alison Milwe Grace, of AMG Catering + Events in Wilton, CT, an outdoor dining experience on the Farm with an Austrian flair. Grab a sweater, stroll the grounds and gardens, meet the animals, and enjoy an early autumn dinner peppered with Wakeman Town Farm produce on the Farm with friends. We start at 5:30 due to early sunset and cooler fall temps!

FARM-TO-TABLE FALL DINNER

STARTER *BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND* Mini Soft Pretzel “Bites” with German Cheese Beer Spread

FIRST COURSE WTF Candy-Roasted Squash Bisque, Garnished with “WTF” Sunflower Seeds

SALAD COURSE

Mixed WTF Lettuces with WTF Radishes, Carrots, Fennel, Apples, and Candied German Almonds with “Cider” Vinaigrette

ENTRÉE

Stout-Braised Pot Roast Served over Egg Noodles and Wilted Cabbage

Or

Roasted Local Cod with Tarragon Aioli, Bratkartoffeln (*Crispy Potatoes with Bacon), Brussels and Baby Carrots

*Note: The Cod entree can be made with a veg substitution in lieu of the potatoes/bacon if you inform us in advance when prompted on your order form.

DESSERT

German Black Forest Cake

BEVERAGES

BYOB adult beverages (glassware, ice and openers and bottles of cold water will be provided)

Proceeds from this event, after expenses, will go towards supporting Wakeman Town Farm's educational initiatives.

Cancellation Note: We live in crazy, unpredictable times. Please only purchase tickets with the understanding that will not consider refund requests from ticket purchasers. Period. However, prior to Oct 1, if THE FARM is forced to cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control, we will issue refunds, minus any ticketing + credit card fees. After Oct. 1, we will not issue any refunds, as we still have to pay staff, chefs, ingredients, insurance, overhead, etc. All collected funds will be used to pay expenses; any left over money from ticket sales will go towards Farm educational programs for children. Thanks for your understanding!

photo exhibit with jerri graham at Westport book shop 9.15.22

On the Farm, at the Book Shop

Join the Westport Book Shop and Wakeman Town Farm for an after-hours Sip & Shop reception for photographer Jerri Graham. Jerri is the Westport Book Shop's featured artist for the month of September in the Book Shop's Drew Friedman Art Place, and her exhibit showcases the beauty and bounty of Wakeman Town Farm. Love her pic (above) of our alpacas! P.S. Who doesn’t love a creative idea for holiday gifts?

Sip & Shop at the Book Shop from 6:30pm to 8pm on Thursday, September 15th.

Jerri will give a brief artist talk at 7:00pm, and representatives from Wakeman Town Farm will talk about their mission.

Come support the Farm, the Book Shop and our featured artist! RSVP to bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org

@westportbooksale #westportbookshop

WTF Annual Online Auction CLOSED!

WE HAVE EXTENDED OUR SILENT AUCTION, BECAUSE WE WERE TOLD OVER AND OVER THAT PEOPLE WERE SIMPLY HAVING TOO MUCH FUN AT THE COCKTAIL HOUR TO PAY ATTENTION TO OUR SILENT AUCTION. THE SILENT AUCTION WILL CLOSE AT 6 P.M. ON TUES, SEPT 13, SO FEEL FREE TO BID!

We have curated an exciting array of experiences and gifts for all tastes, including destination travel, al fresco private dinners at the Farm, kids’ cooking parties, sunset cruises, and all-star sporting events.

All proceeds from this auction provide critical funding for our programs, helping WTF achieve its mission to create an inclusive farm and educational center that is welcoming to all.

Together, we are preserving Westport’s rich agricultural traditions, teaching young and old about sustainability and food justice, and keeping a Town treasure alive.

We are growing good things here on the Farm while preserving a sense of community.

We appreciate all bids and thank you for your generous support!

Encore! multi-course ITALIAN DINNER with Chef Robert L. Gorman 2.3.23

Intimate Culinary Tour of Italy with Chef Robert L. Gorman (Second in a Series of Dinners)
Friday, Feb 3, 6:30-9 p.m. $150 pp

Back by popular demand! In this intimate dinner in Tim’s Kitchen, guests will experience many flavors of Italy, starting with imported salami and cheeses to Tagliatelle Bolognese and a variation on Bistecca Fiorentina (NY Strip Steak) with Gremolata and Vegetables, ending with Classic Tiramisu for Dessert. Chef Robert will provide background and food knowledge, as he guides you on the first in a series of Italian dinner events. This is a BYOB event. Bring your own favorite wines or cocktails! Please consider Uber if you are drinking!

Antipasti (Meats imported directly from Italy) Assorted local, regional, Italian salami and Prosciutto

Imported Cheeses, including Asiago, Fontina, Gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano, Provolone, plus Oven Roasted Feta Cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper spread, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Whipped Feta and Cream Cheese dip

Mixed Greens Salad and Balsamic Italian Dressing

 Il Primo  - Tagliatelle Bolognese

Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta with rich and silky Bolognese Sauce

An Italian classic; beef and vegetables with wine, broth, pancetta, and tomato paste, slowly cook down with marsala wine, tomato paste, and broth in this classic Bolognese.

Il Secondo -Bistecca alla Fiorentina-esque with Classic Italian Gremolata, Variation: New York Strip Steak

Also known simply as Florentine steak, this minimalist dish calls for just five ingredients: olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, and sirloin and topped with Classic Italian Gremolata

I Contorni - Green Vegetable

Dolce - Tiramisu

Classic tiramisu features alternating layers of ladyfinger (savoiardi) sponge cake biscuits dipped in espresso, and a thick, creamy blend of nutty mascarpone cheese with egg yolks, sugar, whipped cream, and, occasionally, liquor (like a coffee liqueur or marsala wine). The final layer is dusted with bittersweet cocoa powder or fine chocolate shavings.

Bio: Chef Robert L. Gorman

Following a long family heritage of successful restaurateurs in the Seattle area, Chef Robert brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience. Resume highlights include working as chef instructor at Zwilling J. A. Henkels, NY, as a consultant at La Fattoria and Haven Harbour Marina Resorts, as a Private Chef at the Doswell Foundation, and as Director of Food and Beverage of two world-class golf courses in Phoenix, among other roles. His approach to cooking marries classical techniques with creative menus.

sold out! harvest fest tickets

Welcome to Wakeman Town Farm's Harvest Fest Fundraiser Sept 10 

The Big Event

Tickets are on sale now for the Farm's 10th-annual Harvest Fest FUNraiser on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6-10 p.m.

This is the Food and Wine Event of the Season at Wakeman Town Farm! It is a magical evening, featuring fabulous seasonal fare and libations, generously contributed by local farmers and rock star chefs outdoors on the Farm under twinkling lights. This year, we are doing the event cocktail-party style, with tents and multiple food stations (no sit-down dinner) so guests can mix and mingle. However...we will be bringing the guests inside the tent for dessert, Champagne, and the real reason we are all here: The live auction and paddle raise to support the Farm. Then, once the live auction wraps, it's time to hit the dance floor and groove to our live band!

Online Auction  - Opens Sept 6

The Real Reason We are Here

This is the Farm's main fundraiser of the year, so we kindly ask that ALL attendees and guests be prepared to participate in the auctions/paddle raise the night of the event, or in the online auction (all ticket buyers are pre-registered!). We will send you a preview of the auction items closer to the event to whet your appetite!

Proceeds from the auctions provide critical funding for our programs, helping WTF uphold its mission to operate an inclusive community farm and educational center for families like yours.

Thank you for your support. Happy bidding!  

Milkweed Growing and Monarch Raising Lecture with Alice Ely 8.29.22

Milkweed Growing and Monarch Raising Lecture with Alice Ely

8/29 @ 6:30 PM

WTF

Suitable for families

Monarchs, the once plentiful beauties of yard and field, have suffered habitat loss so great that their numbers in recent years have dwindled to 10% of their peak population.  They are called the ‘poster child’ for pollinator habitat protection, owing to their beauty and the remarkable feat of their annual migration to Mexico and back. Protecting Monarchs leads us to a wider awareness of the fragility of insect populations, the steady assault on their numbers through the indiscriminate use of pesticides, and the vital role that diverse native species play in keeping our planet healthy.  At this talk you’ll learn about how to attract a bevy of egg-laying Monarchs to your garden, how to raise the odds by raising the eggs into hungry Monarch caterpillars, and finally, healthy adult Monarchs, as well as some tips on how to grow a variety of different milkweed species to help them thrive.

A note for HS educators. New collab opportunties!

We are all about collabs! If you’re an educator and seek to expand on classroom learning, we want you to know that there are myriad ways we can help. Our educational coordinator, Noelle S., is happy to work with you to bring a group of students to the Farm. We have worked with Westport Public Schools professionals to tailor experiences to grade-appropriate curriculum in the past, and we look forward to working with new groups. So whether you seek an engaging field trip, an offsite, a hands-on Farm tour or experience, reach out and say hi! We are here for you. P.S. If your students are looking for volunteer opportunities, we offer those as well. See below for more info.

beer garden + fall fun for the whole family 10.15.23

Join us on the Farm for our annual family Beer Garden event on Sunday, Oct. 15, featuring live music by Hitch and the Giddy-Up + Rob Morton, lawn games, bubbles, face painting and pumpkin crafts for the littles. Come hungry: There will be plenty of lunch options and goodies for purchase, including Pizza by Tony Pizza Napolitano and tasty offerings from our friends at Food Truck Refinery! We will pouring frosty local beer, sponsored by Greens Farms Spirits, and tasty ice cream treats from Saugatuck Sweets and LANDTECH. There will also be cider donuts and refreshments sponsored by KMS Team at Compass. Noon-4 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, invite some friends, and enjoy a fantastic fall day on the Farm!

TICKET INFO + RESTRICTIONS: Entry tickets are $10 per adults. Kids are free. Food + beverage purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit Farm educational programs. Please note: This is an outdoor-only event. No animals allowed.

SORRY: NO REFUNDS! In the event of a weather cancellation, we cannot issue refunds.

Fall Farm Classes - registration open now

Our fall class lineup will be available August 18 at 9 a.m. Check out all the offerings, for everything from Parent + Child (infant/toddler sessions) where we hang out with the animals, which start in late August, to enriching hands-on after-school programs for both elementary and middle schoolers. You can browse our offerings below, or head straight to the registration links here

SOLD OUT! Pasta lovers’ workshop with italian chef vita palmeri 9.22.22

Pasta Lovers’ Workshop
September 22, 2022 7-9pm

Join us in Tim’s Kitchen as Vita Palmieri shares the Italian tradition of making fresh pasta 100% from scratch. During this hands-on cooking workshop, we'll make three types of pasta: spaghetti alla chitarra, tagliatelle, and farfalle. Vita likes to make these events fun as well as delicious, so she offers a welcome appetizer, followed by instruction, then a tasting of two delicious pasta dishes, followed by homemade dessert. Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beverages. We will have glassware and openers.

Schedule

Welcome Appetizer

Instruction

Chef Vita will teach the group how to make your own pasta (Spaghetti alla Chitarra, Tagliatelle, or Farfalle)

Tasting

Lasagna alla Bolognese
Smoked Spaghetti

Dessert

Enjoy a special dessert prepared by Chef Vita

Beverages
BYOB! Bring vino or your favorite beverage!

need an engaging camp for a week or more? we’ve got you covered! New afternoon sessions added!

NEW AFTERNOON SESSIONS ADDED!
We offer enriching summer experiences for kids of all ages. Our farm days are both inspirational and educational. On any given day, we will be exposed to a range of different real-life farm experiences, like learning how to feed baby goats, learning about egg gestation and hatching, seeing how and why worms help us make compost, experiencing how to plant a garden from seedlings, and so much more. We integrate farm-grown veggies and fruits, hands-on projects, and an array of creative games and activities to keep each week engaging and enlightening. We know that being out in nature is the best medicine, and our perennially popular farm camps provide a dose of old-fashioned fun that’s all about getting out into the dirt, fresh air, and sunshine! To register, peruse our offerings here, and then register with the button below.

Got extra garden vegetables? Donate at the Farm for neighbors in need

Attention home gardeners! Wakeman Town Farm is partnering with Westport Grow-a-Row and Food Rescue US - Fairfield County on a new produce donation drop off site.

Prolific peas? Lots of lettuce? Zucchini galore? 🥬🍅🥒🥕 Simply bring your home garden abundance to Wakeman Town Farm's farm stand Saturdays from 9AM - 1PM — your harvest will help those struggling with food insecurity.

Your donations of fresh fruit, veggies and herbs will be transferred to help nourish neighbors in Fairfield County who are experiencing food insecurity.

Simply place fresh produce in our cooler—easy peasy! All donated produce will be delivered to an agency in-need by our partner, FoodRescue US - Fairfield County.

Have questions? Email Haley@foodrescue.us.

Follow @grow.a.row_westport on Instagram for updates.

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