Celebrate summer solstice at the Farm Park | Community Spirit

Get a first look at Germantown’s first community farm park on June 20, the longest day of the year – Summer Solstice 2012. The free family-friendly celebration features stewardship and sustainability themes throughout the day.

This preview opening is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Germantown’s first community garden, where 60 member-families are working to grow fresh, organically produced vegetables, berries, melons and flowers. During the day, visitors can meet the farm park staff and community garden members to learn first-hand about Germantown’s efforts to support sustainable agriculture. Visiting farmers, guest speakers, master gardeners and local historians will also be on hand to provide information about the city’s rich agricultural heritage. All activities are free.Public access to the new farm park is next to Germantown Elementary School, 2740 Cross Country. Guests are asked to wear closed toe shoes, no flip flops please.

The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the main gate hosted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen and the Farm Park Advisory Group to commemorate the special occasion. Farm tours and activities are scheduled until 4 p.m.

Schedule of Events
9 a.m. Ribbon Cutting and Opening Celebration
9:30 a.m. First Annual Horse Shoe Tournament Begins (sign up at the information tent – prizes awarded to winning teams)

Kid’s Discovery Stations
The Big Oak Tree Activity Center - Participate in nature crafts and farm hobby make-it, take it activities throughout the day.
The Barn Yard - Meet the animals including chickens, miniature goats, horses and friends from the Germantown Animal Shelter.
Discovery Garden - Interactive activities every half hour include titles such as The Wonderful Worm, Harvest Herb Kitchen and Planet Tomato.
The North Point Outdoor Classroom - Meet Sweetie the Squirrel and visit the Water Wizard Learning Stations to discover the physical properties of water.
Family Fun in the Field - Experience new activities every half hour including Run for the Sun, Compost Cake and Vegetable Twister.

For the Gardener and Cook
Outrageous Outdoor Cooking on the Patio – presented by local chefs
9:30 a.m. The Garden Brunch
10:30 a.m. The Best Garden Salads
11:30 a.m. Grilling from the Garden
12:30 p.m. Dutch Oven Favorites
1:30 p.m. Edible Flowers and Neat Sweets

Garden Talks
Improve your gardening skills and learn about organic growing methods from local master gardeners, park staff and Farm Park Community Garden members.
10 a.m. It all Starts with the Soil
11 a.m. Growing Naturally
Noon Landscaping with Native Plants
1 p.m. Simple Garden Projects
2 p.m. Hints for Growing Herbs

For more information, call 901-757-7375.

Information provided by the City of Germantown.