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Events include a puppet show that shares the history of the farm. (Photo/submitted)
The iconic Nacoochee Mound and its surrounding pasture, on the grounds of the historic Hardman Farm, is also home to cattle for 10 months of the year. These dairy cattle are being raised to become milking cows. The field is vacated every winter to sustain the meadow. In late February or early March, a new herd of 150 or so arrives, and valley residents take this as a sign of spring.
In celebration of the cows coming home and its reopening for the season, Hardman Farm State Historic Site will host a “Cows Come Home Celebration” on Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Visitors can enjoy a day full of activities centering around the dairy that once operated at Hardman Farm. Events will include tours of the farm’s more than 100-year-old dairy barn and creamery, butter making demonstrations and samples of cornbread baked in the historic Hardman Farm kitchen.
Guests can also peruse the bottom floor of the mansion where reenactors depicting Gov. and Mrs. Hardman will be on hand to answer questions and share the history of the farm. Young (and young at heart) guests, can enjoy a puppet show depicting the history of the farm and old fashioned games such as corn hole on the lawn.
Local musicians will provide live music throughout the day and local artists and crafters will have goods for sale, including hand made soaps, wooden jewelry, garden art, barn quilts and more. Guests can grab a bite to eat from local food truck Mutt & Jeff’s Smokehouse BBQ or a drink from Flying Dutchman coffee.
Admission to the festivities is $7 per person, with children 5 and younger attending for free. For details, contact the Hardman Farm Visitors Center at 706-878-1077 or sarah.summers@dnr.ga.gov, or visit gastateparks.org/HardmanFarmcows.