Spring is “Hold a Baby Lamb” time at Enjoy Pioneer Farm in Hampshire, and this year, there are twins and triplets to show off.
The event at the farm, 17N400 Big Timber Road, continues until the last weekend of May. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The cost is $5 per person, $12 for a family of up to four members, or $20 for a family with five or more members.
The farm was purchased in 1978 by Lane and Carol Burnidge, who run it with their son, Martin. The barn on the farm was built in 1901.
Natalie Tarnowski of Chicago, along with her siblings Neil and Shelby Tarnowski, both of Hampshire, recently visited with two of their friends.
“I think it’s a great learning opportunity to be around young animals,” Shelby Tarnowski said. Besides lambs, there are rabbits, chickens, goats, ducks and a pig.
Brothers Anthony and Jake Bruce of Carpentersville have visited the farm with their parents every spring for the past five years. Jake said he especially likes the chicks.
The Burnidges’ 14 grandchildren are part of four generations of the family who gather every year to help at harvest time, according to the farm’s website. The farm sells lamb and pork raised without MSG or antibiotics and registered Dorset sheep.
During the different growing seasons, the farm grows and sells perennials, sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, mums, gourds, squash, broom corn, Indian corn and Indian popcorn. They also sell hanging baskets, strawberry baskets and handmade wreaths and greens.
The farm offers programs for groups, schools and parties, plus guided walks.
For information, call 847-683-2863 or go to www.enjoypioneerfarm.com.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter.