The 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days was held across the province on Aug. 17 and 18.
Eight agri-tourism operations in the Foothills took part in Alberta Open Farm Days this year: Hartell Homestead, Tierra Flores Florals & Botanicals, OH Ranch Calgary Stampede, Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Eau Claire Distillery, Spirit Hills Flower Winery, Priddis & Millarville Fair and Nanton Grain Elevators.
Participating in the annual occasion for the first time was Tierra Flores Florals & Botanicals, which welcomed visitors to experience the Foothills County farm's massive flower field and meet its friendly animals on both days.
"It's been really good both days, but yesterday was really busy," said farmhand Humberto Flores.
"There's been a lot of nice people coming through, everyone's been having a good time, especially checking out the animals."
The farm sells flowers and herbs, while its animals — chickens, a duck, a silky rooster, a pony and a horse — are kept for enjoyment rather than for agriculture.
The relatively new operation is owned by Diego Flores, hailing from Chile, and Jolanda Slagmolen-Flores from the Netherlands.
"Every August, farms, ranches and ag-tourism operators across the province invite Albertans to experience Alberta Local Food Week and Open Farm Days," said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation, in a statement on Aug. 12.
"With about 170 host farms across the province opening their doors to offer open houses, great local food experiences, tours and an opportunity to buy Alberta-grown and produced products, visitors will see how their food is made and learn about the people who produce it."
Officially recognized during the third week of August since 2018, Alberta Local Food Week is an opportunity for the community to show support for products grown, made and harvested in the province.
