An event that saw 150 participants embark on a rural adventure across Perth County, exploring four mystery farms, was a big success, organizers say.
Mystery Farm Hop took place on Saturday and was organized by Perth County Tourism, in collaboration with Perth County Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the PC Connect public transit service.
Participants navigated from farm-to-farm using PC Connect, enhancing their journey with convenient transportation services, per a news release.
The day started at McCully's Hill Farm, with a wagon ride through the property. Afterwards, there was opportunity to interact with friendly farm animals before shopping in the farm store.
The second farm on the itinerary was Stonetown Artisan Cheese, for education on craft cheese production. Artisanal cheeses were sampled while browsing offerings in the farm store. Before hopping on the PC Connect bus to the next farm, participants roamed the property, getting up close and personal with the farm animals.
The next mystery farm stop was Kampkreek Dairies, which included a tractor ride through the farm, learning about operations and milking facilities, with a special focus on water buffaloes. The wagon ride ended in the calf barn, where visitors could interact with the farm's new calves. At the Kampkreek farm store, there were cheese samples and fresh water buffalo milk.
The final stop was at Black Creek Flower Farm for a guided stroll through the flower fields while learning about growing seasonal flowers and gardening. To conclude their experience, guests participated in a floral workshop, using fresh flowers to create unique imprints on personalized bookmarks to take home.
Najma Jose, a Mystery Farm Hop participant expressed her appreciation for the commitment to inclusivity and the opportunity for communities to connect.
"I firmly believe that strong communities are built on the foundations of inclusivity, cultural diversity, and a sense of collective responsibility," she said. "Events like the Mystery Farm Hop are a testament to Perth County's dedication to creating spaces where diverse individuals and communities can come together, learn from one another, and form meaningful connections."
The event was intended to showcase Perth County’s agritourism assets and community transit system in a fun, non-traditional way, said Meredith Forget, Perth County manager of economic development, tourism, and transportation.
"The success of the day is a testament to how special rural Perth County is – the welcoming farms, friendly volunteers, and eager attendees made for a memorable day full of new experiences and meaningful connections," Forget said.