Smolak Farms Opens to the Public on May 7, 2010 with New Features!
The trees are pruned and the grounds have been prepped for the thousands that will soon roam the many acres of Smolak Farms in North Andover, MA. Opening to the public on Friday, May 7, 2010, for its 35th season, the farm can trace its history back some 300 years. Today, the 160 acre multipurpose property boasts 107 acres of preserved land that the Smolak family set aside in cooperation with the State of Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, insuring that the area would forever remain open land, never to be developed.
“Smolak Farms means so many thingsÂ…to so many people. Whether a family was introduced to the farm picking fruits in the Summer, picking pumpkins, taking hayrides and enjoying warm cider donuts in the Fall, or grabbing fresh baked pies, gingerbread houses and their Christmas trees during the holidays; we’ve been so lucky to be part of so many people’s traditions and memories,” said Michael Smolak, the farm’s owner and developer for some 35 years.
This year the farm will continue its traditional activities with their Pick Your Own(PYO) seasons for strawberries, raspberries, sweet purple & tart red cherries, blueberries, currants, gooseberries, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, apples, pumpkins, squash and Christmas trees, along with celebratory festivals to celebrate each crop (visit www.smolakfarms.com for PYO dates and schedules).
Customers can also look forward to the newly renovated Farm Stand, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, providing customers with not only fresh produce and daily-made baked goods and new lunch items, but Smolak’s world famous cider donuts, pies and gingerbread houses!(*Gingerbread houses handmade to order and available only  during the holiday season)
“This is my first year with the farm and I am extremely excited for the season,” said Smolak’s new Bakery Manager, Roberta Tarsia. Tarsia brings some 25+ years of experience, knowledge and innovation in the food & beverage industry as a baker, caterer and former Director of Catering at the Museum of Science and Marriott® Hotels, as well as, Food & Beverage Manager for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. Customers can look forward to the farm stand providing all their traditional favorites, with the addition of new lunch items, a new “dining in the rough” area complete with Smolak’s newly installed free Wi-Fi for those that may want to “work from home” for the day!
“With numerous PYO crops, a bakery and farm stand, an extensive play area for children and a petting zoo and greenhouse, you would think that would be enough to keep Smolak Farms busy. Not so explains the farm’s marketing director, “I think people know about our PYO seasons, various kids’ activities and our farm stand, but there’s so much more to experience at Smolak Farms. We do beautiful weddings and private events, corporate and team building outings, group tours and even have an educational nature and crafts program for children in the Summer,” said Kelley Small, Marketing Director for Smolak Farms.
With all that Smolak Farms has to offer it is the perfect place for children of all ages, or just those who are young at heart. Come experience a true New England tradition with the farm’s opening on Friday, May 7, 2010. In celebration of the farm’s opening free hay rides will be available all day as well as free bags of feed for the petting zoo for children 7 and under (limit on per family, first come first serve). Smolak’s world famous cider donuts will also be available for only 25 cents in celebration of the farm stand’s 25th anniversary!
Smolak Farms is always free to the public and 2010 hours of operations are as follows: Monday – Friday: 7:00AM-2:00PM, Saturday and Sundays: 7:00AM-5:00PM. For a complete list of activities please visit www.smolakfarms.com.
Special Hours for opening day on Friday, May 7, 2010 will be: 7:00AM-5:00PM
About Smolak Farms:
SMOLAK FARMS in North Andover, MA, offers something fun for everyone-blending a 300 year old New England Farm complete with orchards, berry fields and family activities. The Family Farm experience goes beyond the average petting zoo! While young visitors can still meet their favorite barnyard animals, they have an opportunity to go a step further with exciting programs and activities at our rural farm located just 45 minutes north of Boston, MA. Smolak Farms is located at 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA . They can be reached by phone at 1-978-682-6332 or on the web at: smolakfarms.com.