Ovis Hill Farm Festival raises funds for its educational activities at the farm
A sheep is shorn during the Ovis Hill Farm Festival in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
Come celebrate fall at Ovis Hill Farm during its 15th annual festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, where there will be fun and educational activities for all ages.
The festival, which is a fundraiser for Ovis Hill’s educational programs, is a unique event as visitors can experience a day on the farm.
“With good weather this year’s 15th annual festival will be a fun hands-on day! With our farm animals, sheep shearing, fiber artists and wonderful local farmers market and special delicious meal direct from our market tables we are a celebration of some of the earliest traditions of our state along with a new focus on eating local and supporting local farms,” owner Charlie Caldwell said.
“Having a local choice only works if folks support local markets, and here folks can get a really good idea of what is possible,” Caldwell said. “On top of all of that with our educational programs we teach students the actual connection with live farm animals and growing plants with what’s on their plates and in their closets. Our festival directly supports our educational programs.”
Save the date to experience an education and fun-filled day on the farm. There’ll be plenty for the children and adults to do – from enjoying a hayride to painting gourds – everyone can visit the animals, have the opportunity to feed them, to learning about the aspects of sheepherding and farming on a wagon tour with Caldwell.
There also will be demonstrations of wool dying and spinning, bee keeping, butter making and a local seasonal slow food cooking demonstration.
The Taste of the Farm meal will be prepared by professionals with ingredients from the market tables.
Cost for the fundraiser is $5 per person and $30 maximum per family. Some activities are not covered by admission fee. For more information, call Ovis Hill Farm at 843-346-3646.
Ovis Hill Farm Festival
• Take a hayride
• Visit the animals, where you will have the opportunity to feed, or observe them as you learn about their important role on the farm
• Learn about the many aspects of shepherding and farming, as you take a wagon ride tour with Charlie
• Watch demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool dying and spinning, bee keeping, and Border collie herding
• Make butter
• Paint a gourd
• Enjoy great games
• Browse and shop for our wholesome meats, eggs and dairy products, as well as baked goods and hand-crafted items
• Enjoy a meal featuring local produce and farm products…
How to Find Us
Directions to Ovis Hill Farm:
I-20 Westbound (from Florence) : From I-20 take exit 137 (first exit after I-95) at SC 340. Turn left off ramp toward Timmonsville, continue to “T” intersection at SC 403. At stop sign turn left onto SC 403, go less than 1/2 mile to first paved right, turn onto East St. Paul. Continue about a mile, to the first paved road on the right, turn right onto Weaver Street. Look for the farm entrance about a mile up on the left at 1501 Weaver St. You will see the farm sign. Do not go down any other driveway except the one with the farm sign. Look for designated parking.
From I-20 Eastbound (from Columbia): From I-20, take exit 131 (Lamar, Darlington) for Hwy US 401 and SC 403. Turn Right off the exit. At flashing light intersection (about 400 yards) turn Left onto 403. Look for Weaver Street, first paved road to right about 1 mile (Just past tree line). Turn Right onto Weaver Street. Travel about 2.5 miles and turn right into farm entrance at farm sign. Do not go down any other driveway except the one with the farm sign. Look for designated parking.
