Glorious Sunny Day for Ambler Farm Day Fun [PHOTOS]

Exquisitely warm weather brought wagonloads of visitors to the 23rd annual Ambler Farm Day on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 1.

“We could not have asked for better weather,” said the farm’s executive director, Ashley Kineon.

Around 100 volunteers helped make the day happen for the town’s favorite farm and one of its biggest fundraisers. Kineon, who also roundly praised the support of Ambler Farm’s sponsors, said approximately 1,500 visitors stopped by to help raise around $25,000 for the nonprofit.

Numerous activities were in operation for visitors, including a hayride, pumpkin decorating, music, and even pumpkins launched by the farm’s homemade trebuchet, built and run by Matt Schmitt and Mark Fischer, alongside a group of student-age volunteers.

“What I really love about Ambler Farm is that it appeals to all ages,” Kineon said, noting the success of the farm’s apprenticeship program, which involves around 130 local kids, grades five through 12.

Likewise, she said, this annual day connects people to the farm.

“It gives people a chance to connect with the farm, the land, and other another,” she said. “Everything we do here is about connection.”

Toni Boucher, who will likely be Wilton’s next first selectperson, was among many political candidates at the event offering a different kind of volunteer service for the day.

Boucher, who lives nearby, said she and her family have been involved with Ambler Farm since it was first taken over by the town years ago.

“I was very involved when we first secured it to preserve it,” she said, “and I’ve been involved ever since.”

“This is part of the town’s heritage,” she said.

Many of the day’s visitors agreed, including Susi Metz of Wilton.

“We love it,” she said of Ambler. “We come all the time. It’s great fun for the kids and for us.”