With rain and gusty winds, the Wakeman Town Farm Harvest Fest took place on Saturday, September 12 on the site of the historic home originally built in 1888. Each year this imposing event raises operational money for the farm. Staples Environmental Science teacher Michael Aitkenhead the farm steward who lives on the farm said that the event has “grown steadily” and that “ the future growth of the farm will be successful.”  

The event featured live music, food by local chefs using produce sourced from local Connecticut farmers, signature drinks prepared with local ingredients, wine pairings and auctions [live auction, silent]. Auction prizes included   “Weekend in Paradise” in California [overlooking the Pacific in aweing Big Sur California], and a “VIP Basketball Experience” in a luxury suit at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

This was the fifth annual Harvest Fest, and it is clearly a crowd pleaser. Much of the excitement and enthusiasm comes from the anticipation of the facilities’ new renovation. It is expected to begin soon and be open to the public this fall. The new addition to the existing home built in 1888 will create space for new Mommy and Me programs and Commercial Kitchen cooking classes for adults and children. The renovation came about because the Compo Camp held each year at Wakeman fields often is forced to close when it rains and can not have cooking classes for adults and children, so with the new addition they won’t have to cancel because of bad weather.