Activities Guide 2008

Sholan Farms is owned by the City of Leominster and operated by the Friends of Sholan Farms. The Friends of Sholan Farms is a community-supported, non-profit organization. 

Sholan Farms is located at 1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster, MA 01453; Mailing address: P.O. Box 632, Leominster, Mass 01453 978-840-FARM; Web: www.sholanfarms.com. The friends meetings take place on the third Wednesday of every other month beginning in February.

July 24th – 6PM Friends Planning Meeting Fidelity Bank Leominster Connector

August 16 (Rain Date August 23)  - 2PM Friends Annual Open House and Picnic @ Sholan Farms

 August 24 – 2PM (Rain Date August 31) Mark Marquis Group at Sholan Farms  

August 30 Opening Weekend

 

For additional opportunities please check the website or call for more information.

Visit the last working apple orchard in Leominster, the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). Your visit will be a memorable one! Situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of surrounding hills and even of Boston on a clear day, the farm provides cross-country skiing, walking trails, bird watching, picnic area and a variety of cultural and folk events throughout the year. In season, pick from a large variety of spectacular native apples as they ripen.

Special Attractions and Events:

Moonlight Hikes (weather permitting) - Join us for moonlight hike series beginning on February 22 6pm-8pm. Winter hikes include snowshoe and cross country skiing and campfire. The hikes will take place on Friday nights and will coincide with the full moons. For more information: info@sholanfarms.com or 978-840-3276

Sholan Farms Offers Blooming Good Orchard Tours May 5-May 17, 2008 Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster, Ma 01453

The Apple Blossom Season is one of jubilance and celebration. Sholan Farms offers one-hour guided tours through the blizzard of spring apple blossoms. The tours are offered to groups (Max of 25). Please contact the farm to schedule a tour. All tours are on a first-come first-serve basis. Savor the fresh scent of apple blossoms as you enjoy a one-hour guided tour followed by a light snack. ($3.00 per person Children under 5 free) Our 25-seat wagon takes you into an apple orchard where our staff will share interesting tidbits regarding the pollination to harvest process. Friendly reminders:

·         Blossoms may or may not be in full bloom based on Mother Nature's plan.

·         Bees will be working the blossoms in the orchard.

·         Bring your cameras.

·         May weather can fluctuate from warm to chilly, so bring a jacket

Pick-Your-Own Apples and Raspberries -  The Season runs from Late August through October: Daily 10AM – 6:00PM. Harvest Weekend – August 29-September 1. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting). For information call 978-840-FARM or visit us online at www.sholanfarms.com for information about events, volunteer opportunities, and membership. All events are subject to change.

This year Sholan Farms has a stunning crop of apples waiting to be picked. Our varieties include: Marshall McIntosh, Macoun, Empire, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Paula Reds, Crabapples, Red and Golden Delicious.  The Pumpkin Season is scheduled to start September 24, 2008.

Our store shelves will be stocked with fresh picked apples, candles, home made jelly, honey from our own hives, cider and when in season; gourds, mums, squash, pumpkins, and more.  The bakers will be busy again making apple deserts and other treats. Our concession stand will be open on weekends serving hot dogs, apple crisp, cider, coffee, cookies and other special delights.  

Classic Auto’s last Sunday afternoon of August, September and October - With the help of our friends, Mid-State Antique Auto Club (www.midstateaac.org) we welcome owners of Classic and Antique vehicles to participate on these special days. We will have a special area for these cars to park for your review.

Tours, Outings and Hayrides - Sholan Farms offers tours of our seasonal operations to schools and other groups on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations are made for groups of up to 50 people starting the last week in August running through October 31st. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. A small per-person fee is charged. For reservations, please call 978-840-FARM. On a tour you can expect to see the 169-plus acres of farmland which includes orchard, meadows, and forests. The tours last about 30 minutes. All children receive complementary ¼ peck of apples, cider, and snack.

The Sky’s the Limit – Sneak Peek – August 16 through August 29th -  Get a jump on the crowd for the first apples of the season: mouth watering Paula Red Apples. Tours and apple picking available by appointment only.

8th Annual Opening Weekend – August 28 – Sept 1, 2008, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Live Entertainment, Apple Picking, hayrides, hiking, and good old fashioned fun at Sholan Farms. Great food, and so much more at this fun family time!

Cream of the Crop Weekend – Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2008 - Join us as we unveil the finest eating apple in the region – The cream of the crop celebration begins Wednesday with open house and continues throughout the weekend. Want a perfect no-fat dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth?

Macoun may just be your apple, but, hurry, these special apples are only available in the Fall. Macoun was developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1932. It's named for a famous Canadian fruit breeder. 

7th Annual Scarecrow Festival October  11, 2008 (rain date Oct 18) 10 a.m.- 4p.m. - View & Vote for your favorite scarecrows. Story telling as you tour the haunted orchard. Enjoy free live entertainment on Saturday, great food, numerous free, interactive children's events, and so much more at this fun family festival! Again this year will be pumpkin carving.  All events are subject to change.

Other festival’s and fairs were Sholan Farms Apples and volunteers can be found at -

  Sterling Fair - Sept 5, 6, 7 2008

Bolton Fair – Sept 19 & 20 2008(http://www.boltonfair.org/),

Johnny Appleseed Festival – September 13, 2008