We’ve been waiting for this all year.

Spring gave us a taste of Summery good times. But, now it’s official.

Today is opening day at The Hands-On Farm over at The Filberg.

It’s something our daughter looks forward to every year – weeks on end of getting to know our farm friends and trying to talk me into a rabbit, guinea pig or maybe even something larger.

This year, I totally conceded to the onslaught of “let’s get an animal. I want an animal. Can’t we just have one animal!”

“Yes,” I told our daughter. “We’ll take the…calf.”

What, you ask? (and so did she)

I am not entirely whacked out, and a sweet baby calf is not making his way to our urban homestead this year.

But, we will be making ourselves at home over at the farm – and so can all of you – as CVK is happy to introduce you to our CVK Farm Friend – Popsicle.

This 3-week-old calf has cordially agreed to be our CVK Farm Friend ALL SUMMER – helping CVK kids and parents learn more about farm life, sustainable agriculture and, best of all, have a buddy at the farm you all can get to know for the next eight weeks.

In celebration of the farm’s opening day, you can come by the Hands-On Farm at the Filberg from 1 to 3 p.m. TODAY to formally meet Popsicle, give this super sweet (although still very shy) guy a gentle pat and even get your picture taken with him to be included on CVK.

Then, check back in at CVK EVERY TUESDAY this Summer for weekly Popsicle updates including farm good times like recipes, crafts, downloadable colouring pages and teaching tools. Comox Recreation is not going to be maintaining its Hands-On Farm website this year. So, CVK is your place for the latest news and information about this Valley Summertime favourite.

Don’t let all of that online goodness substitute for regular visits to the farm to get to know Popsicle yourselves though. Get out there as often as possible this Summer. While you are there, take notes, make up songs, snap some photos and feel free to send in your observations, photos and other farm fun to post on CVK as well.

Here’s the scoop on the farm:
The Hands-On Farm is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August 24 at the Filberg in Comox. To get there from Courtenay, cross the 17th Street Bridge and drive along the dyke road, through downtown Comox, and make a right at Comox Avenue before it (you’ll already be on Comox Ave.) bends and heads east. The Filberg sign is visible from the road.
Admission is $1 for kiddos under 5 and $2 for everyone else. I strongly encourage active farm-goers to purchase $30 family passes (we paid for it in 5 visits last year), which are available (cash only) from the folks at the farm.

Can’t wait to see you all at the farm! Make sure to drop by this afternoon and say HI!