CE-MR-3-Herkimer Family4by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
There was something for everyone at the 4th annual Herkimer County Family Day at the Farm on Aug. 24.
Children of all ages participated in pedal tractor races, sack races, egg and spoon races, Hula-Hoop contests and tug-of-war contests. Farrier demonstrations, many different vendors, and a cow-milking contest drew large audiences and everyone was delighted to test the varieties of milk shakes for the milk shake contest.
The event, which was hosted by Raycliff Quarter Horse Farm’s Ray Hulten and Judy Mijares with help from the town of Manheim, Herkimer County Dairy Promotion, Herkimer County Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County, attracted a large crowd — even though it had been moved from October to August.
“We just had to get out of that cold wet weather,” said Hulten, who has been hosting the county event for the past four years.
The free family event attracts Amish as well as “English” and Hulten says he likes the idea of the two groups mingling and relaxing together.
“This is just a family oriented event and everyone was being comfortable.”
Hulten plans to hold the event at his farm again next year in August and hopes to expand by bringing in more games and music. “We’re also thinking of having a talent show at the event next year,” Hulten remarked.