One of Kayla’s favorite things about the weekend is that she gets homemade breakfast, which usually consists of pancakes, eggs, french toast, or crepes. In Kayla’s ideal world she would get bacon and sausage every Saturday and Sunday, but that is never on our menu. When Kayla’s grandfather invited her to “Vermont’s Breakfast on the Farm” this past weekend, she eagerly accepted the offer, saying “I am sure they will have pancakes and bacon!”
My father presented this event as just having breakfast at the Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport. Now I was aware of Blue Spruce Farm because growing up, my father always spoke highly of the Audette family and their farm. In Kayla’s mind we are headed to a farm, having breakfast, and then hanging with the calves. That’s what I am thinking too!
On the way down to Bridport, I ask my father why Blue Spruce Farm is having breakfast. He informs me ambiguously that it is for the community. When I ask for clarification, he explains that they expect about 1300 people for breakfast! I almost tell him to turn around. This could be an utter nightmare for Kayla, for me or both.
As we drive past the farm and begin getting farther away, I remind him that Kayla will not be able to walk that distance to the barn and we might need an alternative plan. We pull in and are immediately directed to the handicapped section, which is directly in front of the covered tents for breakfast. Fortunately, there is a swing set that Kayla can play on while we wait in a short line to eat.
The set-up to get breakfast and eat is remarkable. Each person gets three whole grain pancakes, one sausage, blueberries, and yogurt with coffee or milk. Kayla eats quickly and is ready to head to the farm. I ask a staff member if there is assistance to get to the farm if someone has mobility challenges. She immediately calls someone and a golf cart arrives within a few minutes to pick us up. They deliver us directly in front of the calf barn and Kayla is ecstatic.
We spend over an hour and a half at the farm. There are stations set up for people to browse as they make their way around the farm. The stations offer educational information about cows, farming, nutrition, health, and other information. There are also stations where kids can play a game, ride a bike that makes a smoothie, climb into a tractor, or play in the corn.
Vermont Breakfast on the Farm was a wonderful experience for our family. The care that went into planning the event ensured it was fantastically organized. It wasn’t crowded because of the way the stations flowed. There were activities and information for all ages. And the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
From the transportation to the farm, to the staff helping Kayla climb up into a large tractor, the staff were more than willing to help her out. Kayla had a wonderful time. When my father asked what her favorite thing was she said, “Seeing the calves and getting in the big tractor!” She never even mentioned the sausage!
I would like to thank Blue Spruce Farm for sharing your farm with the community, all the amazing Vermont companies that sponsored this educational experience, the friendly staff who were very accommodating, and the committee who thought of everything to make this a wonderful experience for everyone. This is definitely an event for EVERYONE to enjoy!