A team of 4-year-old milking shorthorn oxen moved from Maine to Hale Farm and Village in January. The oxen will make their public debut at the annual Maple Sugar Festival presented by Bob Evans Restaurants on March 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2012.
After enjoying a pancake breakfast, guests will discover the ancient process of maple sugar production, a tradition in the Cuyahoga Valley that began with American Indians before the time of Jonathan Hale. Other event activities include exploring maple sugar production methods in the Sugar Camp, building a log cabin, making maple candy, and enjoying Hale Farm and Village craft and trade demonstrations, including glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and spinning and weaving. One admission buys breakfast, courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants, and all activities.
The milking shorthorn oxen are a historic breed originating from England. They will serve two very significant roles for Hale Farm and Village. They will demonstrate to the guests the early farming practices of the 19th century, and they will accomplish the needed tasks of tending a farm. The team will be used much like they would have been in the 1800s, plowing and harrowing fields, pulling carts for daily chores such as collecting maple syrup or transporting water, and hauling supplies like firewood for cooking and hay for feeding livestock.
Visitors to Hale Farm and Village are invited to help name the new oxen. Historically appropriate names can be submitted via the Hale Farm and Village Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/halefarm) or in person at the Maple Sugar Festival. The names will be announced April 1, 2012, on Facebook and on the Hale Farm and Village website. The person who suggests the chosen names will receive a one year family membership and will be invited to return to Hale Farm and Village to have their picture taken with the ox team.
The Maple Sugar Festival is two weekends, March 17-18, and 24-25, 2012 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Pancakes are served until 3:00 pm. No reservations are necessary. Admission is $15 adults; $10 Children
(age 3-12); $5 WRHS Members. Group discounts are available. Discount coupons are available in Bob Evans Restaurants. Maple Sugar programs are available for school children March 19-23, 2012. For more information call 330-666-3711 or visit http://www.halefarm.org/.
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