Vermilion (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta is gearing up for its 12th annual Open Farm Days, a two-day event on August 17 and 18 that serves as a backstage pass to life on the farm. Celebrating the province’s agricultural heritage, it’s an opportunity to meet local farmers, experience agri-tourism first-hand, and sample delicious food directly from producers.

The goal is to provide an immersive experience by connecting consumers of all ages to those who grow and produce the food they eat. Visitors will have the chance to discover a wide array of farming operations within the province and sample a variety of local, homegrown Alberta products.

Charlotte Wasylik is a proud member of the Chatsworth Farm family, which is participating in this year’s event. It’s the fifth time the farming operation, located in Vermillion, Alberta, has taken part in Open Farm Days. Wasylik says they always try to include unique experiences that showcase life on the farm. This year is no different as they have secured the culinary expertise of three Edmonton-based chefs to cook up a storm for their guests.

“Each chef has a different protein – beef, lamb, and pork,” she says. “You really can’t get more farm-to-table than doing cooking demos on the farm, where all those ingredients are grown, raised, or produced. We want to show everybody what that looks like and what can be created with those fantastic ingredients.”

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It’s also about creating special moments for the guests, particularly those without close connections to rural life. “We’ve heard from a lot of people and so many are distantly connected to a farm. It’s not such a close-knit thing for families anymore,” stresses Wasylik. “Open Farm Days allows us to share with people everything we do. We hope that we can connect with people and answer their questions or give them an experience that they may not be able to get anywhere, things like holding a piglet or baby chick. For us, it’s our everyday but for them, it’s a special moment and we want to share that with so many other people.”

For those considering a visit to Chatsworth Farm, admission is free but you’re encouraged to register early so they can better plan and prepare resources to improve your overall experience. There are also some giveaway opportunities if you register ahead of time. The Chatsworth Farm website has all the details and will update its social media pages leading up to Open Farm Days with up-to-date information.

For a list of all farms participating in Open Farm Days, and to get more information, you can check out the Alberta Open Farm Days website.