In addition to admiring all the animals and meeting the farmers and their families, you’ll be able to watch spinning, knitting, weaving and felting demonstrations, and learn about raising the livestock and pets on the farm. 

One of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market vendors participating in the Fiber Tour, Mary Pratt of Elihu Farm, recently wrote about the tour in her newsletter.  

She noted, “We’ll have sheep and lambs in the barn, along with the shorn fleeces that we sell to hand spinners. Three friends will be here for the weekend to demonstrate spinning. Betsy will demonstrate how to spin yarn from angora rabbit fur blended with wool, Laura will show visitors how she makes felt from wool and Karen will also be spinning wool. All three will have their own yarns, knitted articles, or felted items for sale.” 

Mary and her husband, Bob, regularly sell lamb and eggs at Saratoga Farmers’ Market, and will have both available for sale at the farm that weekend.  

A complete map and description of all the participating farms is online, showing several within an easy drive of Saratoga Springs, and some a bit further into very beautiful parts of Washington County. 

In other food and farm news, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market continues its Saturday indoor market at Division Street School through Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each week. As of Wednesday, May 1, the market will resume its outdoor location at High Rock Park, open Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Additional related upcoming events include:

Thursday, April 11: 7 p.m.
Sustainable Agriculture: Thinking Globally, Farming Locally
Schenectady County Library, McChesney Room,
99 Clinton St. (at corner of Liberty St. downtown), Schenectady
Part III of  “Sustainable Agriculture: Why Should We Care About Local Farms?”  

Sunday, April 14: 1-4 p.m.
Empty Bowls
Saratoga Wilton-Elks Lodge, Route 9, Saratoga Springs

While we’re talking about farms and food, it’s important to consider those who experience food insecurity in our community. This event benefits the Wilton Food Pantry. Each attendee will receive a handcrafted ceramic bowl to take home, servings of soup and other items at the event, as well as enjoy live music and a silent auction. Sponsorships are available and funds raised benefit the non-profit pantry. Tickets to this fundraising event are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.