By Michael Morton
“It's something different for the kids to do, especially in the city,” said Frank Noble II of Hollis, out with his 10-year-old daughter, Nikole. “They get the chance to see the animals live on the farm.”
During the summer months, additional animals are brought to the museum grounds, currently filled with nursing piglets, curious goats and plodding ponies. During the fair, dubbed Farm Fest, children put quarters into bubble gum dispensers filled with animal treats and then feed the farm's charges from their hands. The children also hopped on ponies and were pulled around the grounds on a hay ride.
As is standard for the free event, the museum brought in a shearer to give its sheep a trim, and this year it added a demonstration on spinning wool.
Parents said their children were learning, even if the youngsters were not aware of it.
“It's educational,” said Susan Cabrera, who used to live in Jackson Heights and now brings her three daughters to the museum every time they come down from Middletown, N.Y. to see family.
Farm Fest followed the planting of 1,000 grape vines on less than an acre of the museum's grounds Saturday. The organization hopes to offer tours of its own vineyard and to make wine by 2007.
Upcoming events at the museum include a Civil War re-enactment on June 12-13, a celebration of berries on June 26-and 27, a powwow with more than 40 American Indian nations and a county fair Sept. 18-19 that features skunk racing, among other attractions.
Farm Fest was one of the museum's smaller events, but Amy Fischetti, the organization's director, said she was pleased with the turnout.
“We were very happy with it,” she said.
Reach reporter Michael Morton by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by calling 718-229-0300, ext. 154.
