Though the farm, which was originally a dairy operation, has had a few incarnations over the years, the family began growing blueberries in 1984, and today it’s a popular place for both locals and day trippers to come and pick their own.
The farm has about 2,000 high bush blueberry plants, and about a half-acre of raspberry plants, said Rivard.
Though it’s just the beginning, it looks like a good season for blueberries, said Rivard.
Both a grower and fan of the berries, Rivard freezes a supply every year so he can continue enjoying them after the season ends in August.
“I have blueberries on my cereal every morning, year round,” said Rivard.
Rivard Farm is one of more than 80 farms statewide opening their gates to the public Sunday at the 27th annual Maine Open Farm Day.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb said in a written statement that Open Farm Day is a way for people to not only see the countryside but to better understand where Maine food comes from.
“There is a story, even a lesson that surrounds all the food and other farm products that we grow right here in Maine,” said Whitcomb. “Farming has a human element that you can better understand when you visit.”
Activities at different farms vary, but may include farm tours, demonstrations, food sampling, fruit picking and visits with animals.
For more details on Open Farm Day, go to www.getrealmaine.com.
Rivard Farm and other farms in Springvale will offer Open Farm goers a unique experience. Rivard is among those participating in the Springvale Farm Walk, a 4-mile, self-guided walk through fields, orchards and woods. Organizers say the walk offers more agricultural variety in a compact area than any other place in Maine, according to a press release from Sanford Trails.
Farms along the walk include those that raise sheep, beef cattle, those that grow Christmas trees, mushrooms, vegetables, berries, and apples, and those that make cheese, hard cider and maple syrup.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. at McDougal Orchards, 201 Hanson Ridge Road. Each farm along the way will serve a complimentary cold drink. Parking and shuttle service is available.
“It’s family friendly,” said Linda Rivard, Jerry’s daughter. People are welcome to walk their dogs, as long as they are on a leash and owners pick up after them.
For more information on the farm walk, go to www.sanfordtrails.org.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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