One of the most exciting days each year in Wilton is Ambler Farm Day, the iconic celebration of everything that makes Wilton special — our history and traditions, families and community, and really fun fal activities. This year, the 24th Annual Ambler Farm Day, will be on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 12-4 p.m.
Ambler Farm will welcome hundreds of families, old friends and new to enjoy live music, hayrides, apple slingshot, dunk a local celebrity, scarecrow making, hay maze, pumpkin decorating, children’s crafts and more. This year, the event welcomes food trucks that complement Ambler’s Farm Stand and Sweets & Treat booth.
This year, admission fees have changed from per-car entry fee to $10 per adult, $5 for seniors and children 4-12 years old, and children under 4 years old are free. Organizers said cash is preferred but credit cards will be accepted at the entrance, Farm Stand, Sweets & Treats and merchandise booths. Participation in activities ranges from free to $6 and are cash-only.
GOOD Morning Wilton Editor Heather Borden Herve stopped by the farm to get a sneak peek at what’s new this year, and Ambler Farm Program Director Kevin Meehan was thrilled to show off some cuddly and young baby farm animals that will make their Ambler Farm Day debuts.
Volunteers are still needed
Volunteers are the backbone of this event and there are various ways to get involved before and during the event. Here are some ways to help:
- Volunteer on the big day: Anyone interested in volunteering, either the day of the event or prior, can sign up online. Contact Kim Biltoft via email with volunteering questions.
- Hip Hip HoorHAY: Help the scarecrows come to life on Ambler Farm Day! Donate used clothes for the Make-Your-Own-Scarecrow station. This popular activity relies on the generosity of donations to make it such a success. Clothing donations can be dropped off at the bin outside the White Carriage Barn at Ambler Farm. Long-sleeved shirts, pants and sweaters/sweatshirts size 12 youth and up are preferred.
- Bake the World a Better Place: The Ambler Farm Day Sweets + Treats Sale is only possible because of volunteer bakers! Organizers would love to sell delicious home-made sweets at the event. Bring baked goods wrapped individually and ready to sell (please indicate if nuts are included) to the White Carriage Barn on Saturday, Oct. 5, anytime between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or the morning of Ambler Farm Day on Sunday, Oct. 6 between 10-10:30 a.m. Sign up to donate baked goods online.
GOOD Morning Wilton is proud to be the media sponsor for Ambler Farm Day. In addition to GMW, other sponsors include: ASML, Tauck, Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, Caraluzzi’s, Durants Party Rentals, Nuvance Health-Go Health Urgent, Orem’s, Outdoor Sports Center, Redding Veterinary Hospital, Ring’s End, Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Royal Flush, Seven Acres Montessori, STA Transportation, Stew Leonard’s, Trader Joe’s, Village Market, Wilton Fit Body Boot Camp, Wilton Go Green, Wilton Hardware, and Wilton Soccer Association.
“We work hard to make Ambler Farm a vital, vibrant resource, which provides a living link not only to our agrarian traditions but also to the values and ideals that build a strong foundation for our community’s future,” Ambler Farm Executive Director Ashley Kineon said. “Their generous contributions help us carry out our mission to cultivate an appreciation and respect for our land, our heritage, our animals, and each other through immersive programs, community events, and sustainable farming.”
About Ambler Farm
Betty Ambler was the last of the Raymond-Ambler family to live at Ambler Farm. She lived there most of her life until her death in 1998. The following year, the Town of Wilton purchased 22 acres of the beautiful 200-year-old working farm as part of its open space initiative. Since this complex consisted of historic houses, barns and various outbuildings, a non-profit group called the Friends of Ambler Farm was formed and a mission was crafted to celebrate Wilton’s agrarian roots through active-learning programs, sustainable agriculture, responsible land stewardship, and historic appreciation. Ambler Farm is open to the public, dawn to dusk, for walking. Guests can also visit Ambler Farm’s animals, which include goats, sheep, rabbits, geese and chickens.
Ambler Farm is located at 257 Hurlbutt St. Visit Ambler Farm online for more information about the activities and events at the farm.