Save the date

It is hard to believe that Easter (yes I said Easter!) is just over 1 month away.  My arms would tell you otherwise as I just finished lugging in heaps of candy to help the Easter bunny and his helpers fill baskets for the Easter Egg Scramble.

Despite the snow on the ground, Easter prep is in full swing here at the farm.  A topic of discussion when Easter is so early is the weather.  I know….I’m talking about weather again but I’m a farmer and it is in my genes!  Easterfest has seen snow, sleet, hail, rain, sunshine, -5 degrees to 17 degrees weather.  Whatever Mother Nature throws at us, the Easter Bunny and Downey staff are excited to celebrate with you and your family.

Mark the date on your calendar and plan to come out during the 5 day event:

March 23, 24, 29, 30, 31

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Christmas Countdown

With Christmas around the corner, everyone is checking their lists and checking them twice.  Here at Downey’s, we’ve got a list to help you get started, all that you can check off right here at the farm.

  • Order your fresh free range turkey
  • Choose your fresh picked Christmas Tree
  • Pick up a special ornament for 2012
  • Have Lunch with Santa
  • Order pies and cookies trays
  • Let Downey staff help you create the perfect gift basket
  • Pick up some Cranberry Wine
  • Fill stockings with handmade fudge

We look forward to seeing you at the farm and helping you check off your list!

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Rock ‘N’ Ray Michaels to open Pumpkinfest!

The Downey Family is excited to welome Rock ‘N’ Ray Michaels  from CKOC 1150 oldies to Downey’s Farm on September 29 from 10am-4pm to open Pumpkinfest.  What a fun addition to a fun weekend.  Come meet the Legend himself as he broadcasts LIVE from the farm.

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Delicious Wedding Ideas

This morning I put the finishing touches on a bonbonniere for  a wedding next weekend.  The bride and groom ordered fudge favours – pumpkin and caramel apple fudge.  Love those fall flavours!

In just a few short days, it will be my 2nd anniversary.  Having just started making fudge, I decided to include maple fudge as our bonbonnieres for our wedding 2 years ago.  What a mouth watering hit!  There were guests stealing fudge from other tables lol

Having seen the success of these little gifts, we have gotten involved in several other wedding plans as well.  Homemade fudge and candy apples are a hit amoung guests.  Personalizing wine, whether it be bottles for the table or gifts to the guests, it makes a great momento (not to mention pretty neat seeing your name on a bottle!).  Wedding parties are often seen at the farm having their pictures taken in the pumpkin patch, on a wagon, and various places around the farm, and maybe  snacking on pumpkin donuts in the bakery :)

If you are interested in a creative and delicious way to add to your special day, contact us at the farm.  We would be delighted!

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Apple of My Eye

Apple Season has officially begun at Berryview Farm.  All varieties are a week early so be sure to come out and hand pick a full bag of your favourite variety. Nothing tastes quite as good as a fresh, crisp apple straight from the tree.

We feel very fortunate to have 60% of our Apple Crop when many Ontario Farmers are left without a crop this year.  The warm temperatures followed by frost in early Spring destroyed apple orchards across Ontario, and as a result, not only are there a shortage of PYO Apple Orchards open, but apples themselves.  As farmers, we nurture our land with good farming practices to yield bountiful fruits, vegetables and grains, all the while working around Mother Nature’s plans.  When coming out to Berryview Apple Orchard this year, here are a few tips to keep in mind

  •  Select your apple and twist up towards the sky.  Never pull or yank.  This damages the tree.
  • Having dwarf trees, it allows for the whole family to pick.  Please keep your feet on the ground – no hanging or climbing from trees.
  • Remember there is a Minimum $5 picking fee per person
  • Be respectful of the land and others

We hope to see you in the orchard this year!

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Summer Farm Camp

It has been 3 weeks since the kids started summer vacation and have you heard it yet?  The painful – ‘I’m bored.  There’s nothing to do.’  With 6 more weeks until school starts (just in case you’re counting), let Downey’s farm give you a hand and add some fun to your child’s summer.

Downey’s Farmer Camp runs for 2 weeks: August 13-17 & August 20-24.  With theme days, crafts, games, play and learning, we guarantee fun.  There is still a few spots left for both weeks.  Check out the website, fill out an application, send it in, and your child will be signed up for a fun filled week!!

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