By Doris Sharp, Cultural Heritage Coordinator
On May 5th we held our annual Spring Farm Festival and it was close to perfect: Gorgeous weather, visitors streaming in and having a good time in the barnyard milking the cow, watching blacksmithing and sheep shearing, wool spinning, churning butter, greeting the barnyard animals and listening to live country music. On the hilltop they had a wonderful lunch from Bear Creek BBQ, buy flowers and vegetables for the home garden and arts and crafts as well. Two bands under the music tent kept all entertained and their feet whipping.
The Festival was a great opportunity to honor and extend Lifetime Membership to Hank Xander and his family. Hank’s father was the farm manager for the Fergusons and Hard Bargain Farm was home to the Xander family. Hank grew up with his sisters Dorothy, Betty and Minnie at the Farm and he in turn raised his own two sons here, Andy and Mark. He was the farm manager for forty years. Hank retired in 2006 and it was a pleasure to have him back as a volunteer driving the tractor at the Spring Farm Festival.
Lifetime members Dorothy Xander Showalter, Hank Xander, Mark Xander Flanked by AFF Pres. Michael Herman (l), and Lori Arguelles and Kay Powell (r). Photo By Bill Townsend
A special thank-you goes to King Street Bluegrass, The Unclouded Day (The Baybillies), and Ryan Thompson for their wonderful musical performances on the hilltop. To hear them again visit their respective websites:
www.reverbnation.com/kingstreetbluegrass
www.reverbnation.com/theuncloudedday
www.reverbnation.com/ryantmusic
Another big thank-you goes to the country music pickers in the barnyard: Frank Vispo, Jane Story, Doug Meade, Michael Kendix, and Petey-O McClurkin. They kept everyone hoppin’.
Watch the video taken at the Festival:
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Denison Landscaping and Roozen Nursery both of Fort Washington made donations to our plant sale. The proceeds support our historical gardens at Hard Bargain Farm. We appreciate their ongoing contributions for so many years.
