Riverdale Farm

Whenever I've been in the city for too long without a break I find myself craving the great outdoors. A walk up the Don Valley to the farm is the perfect quick fix. Riverdale Farm may be in the heart of the city, but its location adjacent to the Don Valley makes for a convincing country get-away. The pathways lead through woods and there's even a pond for bird and turtle spotting. For most people though, the animals are the main attraction, and for me, the pigs in particular. They don't do much, but for some reason, pigs always seem to exude contentment. They're very calming.

While the Farm is one of the City of Toronto's many parks, most of the activities on site are run by a volunteer organization called the Friends of Riverdale Farm. They run a gift shop on site in Simpson House, and a kitchen which sells baked treats and hot and cold drinks - especially welcome on blustery fall days! They also organize the Farmers' Market which is now in its 11th season. The market is on site every Tuesday between mid-May and the end of October, from 3 to 7 pm.

Other special events are hosted throughout the year as well, and fall is a busy time. Coming up soon is the Annual Fall Harvest Festival, on September 10th and 11th. Events include a corn roast, bread making, meet the farmers, lots of demonstrations, hog & chicken calling, and even a cow flap tossing contest. Not to be missed surely! At the end of October, there is the Halloween Hoot Boo Barn, an event for 3 to 10 year olds. It takes place October 22nd and 23rd.

2011 has been a difficult year for the Farm. In July, closure of the Farm was one of the recommendations listed in KPMG's review of core services for the City of Toronto. Then, in August, one of the long-time residents of the farm - Dolly, the Clydesdale horse - died of complications from old age. She had lived at the Farm for the past 19 years and will be much missed.

So now is a perfect time to get out there and show your support. If you're like me and love the Farm, show your support with a visit, by becoming a Friend of Riverdale Farm, or by signing a petition to keep it open. If you haven't yet experienced the Farm, no better time than the present. Admission is always free, and hours are 9 am to 5 pm, all year long.