Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best time of day to visit Family Farm Days to avoid large crowds?
The best time to plan your visit is between 1pm – 4pm each day to avoid the large crowds.  If you come between 10am – 12noon, you can expect to stand in a long line for up to an hour to get on the wagons.  We will also have two lines for the guests – one will be a “Stroller Line” that will be designated for wagon that can easily carry strollers to and from the farm. The other line will be for guests without strollers.  This will help to move the lines by having designated wagons for designated lines.

Can I walk to the Farm?
For your safety and the safety of the farm, all guests are required to take the tractor and wagon ride to and from the farm in order to access all of the fun farm activities.  Your personal tour guide will tell you about the history of the Hurst farm and tell you about all the awesome activities you will find once you get off the wagon. There is room on the wagons to take strollers to the farm or we have “Stroller parking” available at the loading area at the store.  We also have a ADA wagon with a lift for guests, if needed.  Please remember that this is a working dairy farm while Family Farm Days is going on, therefore tractors and equipment are on the move throughout the day.   At times, the lines look long to get on the wagons but the lines move very quickly and the kids can play in the playground while waiting for the next tractor.  The tractors and wagons run continuously during the event starting at 10am each day.

What should I bring to Family Farm Days?
We encourage everyone to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking at the farm to see all of the exhibits and activities.  Other essentials: water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and cash if you would like to make any purchases at the farm

Where do I park?
For the safety of our guests and our customers at The Market and The Restaurant, we are asking all guests who are attending Family Farm Days to follow the directions of the car parking attendants and drive behind the store.  We have established a parking field in the back of the store so guests are not walking across the busy driveway in front of cars and tractors.  This parking field is close to the playground and will be more convenient to walk to the playground to get in line for wagon ride to the farm.

Why is it important to take the wagon to the farm?
First, the wagon ride is a blast and you have a chance to view the beautiful farm from the comfort of a covered wagon!  Plus, you will hear about the history of the farm, tour the cow barn and hear about all the fun things to experience once you get off the wagon…Like where to find the FREE Ice Cream samples!

What time does the last wagon go to the farm?
Our tractors and wagons tours to the farm start at 10am and the last wagon to the farm departs from the store at 3:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday and 6:30pm on Wednesday.  We strongly encourage you to come AT LEAST an hour before closing time to get the wagon to the farm to get the full experience of Family Farm Days.

Is there food available for purchase at the farm?
Yes, Kunzler will be selling hot dogs and drinks at the farm along with The Famous Milkshake Truck from the Farm Show, and Bill’s Lemonade!  Around the playground area, we will have our Oregon Dairy Food Trailer offering chicken tenders, pulled pork bbq, french fries, burgers, and drinks. And of course we have our amazing ice cream available in our Milkhouse Ice Cream Shoppe! If you would like to get off your feet and have a delicious meal, the Restaurant is open as well.

Where do I pick up the scavenger hunt papers?
The scavenger hunt papers are available at the information tent when you exit the wagon at the farm and also at the Lancaster County 4-h table in the kids’ tent.

What do I do in case of inclement weather?
Family Farm Days will normally be open if it is just drizzling or lightly raining.  If there is a thunderstorm that is on the horizon, the volunteers will be informing guests that they will need to get on the next wagon back to the store. Guests can wait out the storm in the supermarket or in their vehicle but they will not be permitted to stay at the farm.  We need to keep our volunteers safe as well as our guests so we ask for your cooperation in case of inclement weather.

Who do I contact if I would like to be a volunteer at Family Farm Days?
We are so very thankful for all of our volunteers who make this great community event a success every year for the last 35+ years.  If you would like to be a part of this great team of volunteers, please email Nancy Shaffer at nancy.shaffer@oregondairy.com or call 717-656-2856 ext. 247.