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South Williamstown Businesses To Celebrate Merger With Kick-Off EventBy Patrick Ronan
iBerkshires Staff
09:00AM / Thursday, June 03, 2010
A view of the east side of Green River Farm.
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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — When Franklin Lewis purchased Green River Farms in April, he wanted to create a tourist attraction for people of all ages.
His vision will become a reality on Saturday when Green River Farms and The Store at Five Corners host "Family Fun Day" from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will serve as a kick-off event to celebrate the merger between to the two entities. Lewis is a stakeholder in Berkshire Corners LLC, which acquired The Store at Five Corners in July 2009.
Kira Guidon, the director of marketing and sales at Green River Farms, said Saturday's "Fun Day" will showcase the vast activities offered by both South Williamstown businesses, and it will provide visitors an up-close look into the cultivation of a farm.
"[Lewis] is really driven. He essentially wants to make a community center that is based on public education of farming and agritourism," Guidon said. "When you look at all the farms that haven't been able to make it, how can you create a model that makes these farms sustainable? It starts with educating the public, and showing the value of buying locally grown."
Green River will provide a sampling of their products, while the Store at Five Corners will offer wine-and-cheese tasting on its patio deck.
But food and drink is just a small fraction of Saturday's attractions; there will be a petting farm, wagon trail rides (by tractor and horse), two bounce houses for children and live entertainment. A group of teenage break dancers will perform when the event kicks off at 11 a.m., and live music will be played throughout the day. Slated to perform are Liz Buchanan, Colby Lewis and local-favorite Jim Bayliss.
The new playground at Green River Farms.
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There also will be arts-and-crafts stations,and two playgrounds for children, including a brand new structure that was just completed this past weekend. The new playground, located in between the Green River store and The Store at Five Corners, has four slides, three bridges, swings and seating for parents.
"We wanted something that would, one, draw people in and, two, give the kids an opportunity to stay and play awhile," Guidon said. "We wanted to give the parents an opportunity to let their kids play, while parents can shop, they can sit, they can have a cup of coffee or have their lunch. We want to accommodate everyone."
One attraction that is meant to appeal to children, teenagers and adults is the petting farm, which has a few new additions: baby calves, pot-bellied pigs and a yak. Visitors will also have the opportunity to walk among the farm's goats and feed them.
Wagon rides will be free of charge for visitors on Saturday, offering a wide-array of scenic views of the farm, which consists of about 260 acres of land. The petting farm and wagon rides will be open to customers on a regular basis after "Family Fun Day."
A baby yak named 'Dzo' hangs out with a pair of llamas on Wednesday.
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"We're trying to offer everything possible when it comes to the farm experience," Guidon said. "We realize that it's hard to pry children away from a computer or an Xbox, and this is an excellent opportunity because there's something for all ages. I've seen a 13- or 14-year-old boy get just as excited in the petting farm as a 2-year-old does.
"It's fun, and it's an experience you don't get every day."
While some of Saturday's featured activities will be new additions, some have been attracting locals for years. Tina Beverly, of New Ashford, was sitting at one of the picnic tables in front of the petting farm Wednesday afternoon, spending time with members of her family, including her great-nephew.
"We came back all last summer," Beverly said. "There is a lot for the kids to do. You can just sit and visit, and nobody is rushing you to leave. We're excited about the new playground, and who doesn't like the animals?"
Guidon said Green River has outdoor grilling every weekend, which she says has been "attracting a lot of people the last couple weeks." The farm also hosts school-field trips and private parties. |
Your Comments
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| The circus has come to town. I wish all smaller businesses in the Berkshires luck as that is what keeps things chuggin' around here but I have serious reservations about this new enterprise. The truly special thing about South Williamstown is that the natural beauty of the place had been protected. Now at the historic Five Corners we have tents sprouting up and a huge play structure that hardly blends into the surrounding landscape (there is already a playground up next to the orchard). Does the owner think that grilling burgers all day and putting up a spiffy, new playground will honestly educate the public about farming? I simply urge the owner to take it easy with future plans and remember what makes the Berkshires so wonderful- authentic experiences in a beautiful setting. | | from: Doubtful local | on: 06-04-2010 12:00AM
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (4) |
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| My children love the new playspace - which frankly, I think is more attractive than the run-down house that was there. The petting barn and grounds have been cleaned up and look beautiful. I applaud Lewis and Guidon for their vision and investment in this community. We have been and will continue to be loyal customers and visitors (and we'll certainly spread the good word). THANK YOU! | | from: thankful local | on: 06-09-2010 12:00AM
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (1) |
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| Doubtful Local: Are you really a local or are you from New York City and just happen to purchase here....we all know about South Williamstown's beauty, it's all around us, even in Williamstown, North Adams, Adams, New Ashford etc...It seems to me you and others like you just have your nose out of joint because someone else is trying something for the good of ALL.... | | from: | on: 06-09-2010 12:00AM
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (2) |
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| The place looks great and my kids love going there. Years ago when it was Modern Dairy I worked there. If Harry Patten (whose reputation justifiably precedes him) and now the new owner, had not stepped in and made significant investments it would have either been closed to the public or left in a state of disrepair. The fact that both of these men put up the funds necessary to really brighten up a beautiful part of town is appreciated. | | from: A local | on: 06-09-2010 12:00AM
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1) |
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| Glad you asked. I am indeed a local (close to Five Corners). Lived here for 5 years now. Have a young child and work in North Adams. I don't have anything else to add- simply grateful there is a forum for all of us to express our opinions. | | from: Doubtful Local | on: 06-09-2010 12:00AM
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1) |
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