Easter on the farm

Celebrate Easter at PaPa Simpson's Farm in Arcadia, Louisiana on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at MiMi's Country Cupboard. Bring out the youn'uns for spring activities down on the farm.

Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt with prize eggs at 10:30 a.m.; a hayride at 11 a.m.; and pig races at 11:30 a.m. There will be new spring baby animals available for petting and pictures.

PaPa Simpson's Farm is a working dairy farm. Six generations have called the farm home. Agriculture is their way of life and they want to share it with everyone. The tour allows visitors to experience daily life on a farm. Visitors are educated on the animals, crops, vegetable garden, fruit trees and berries. There is also a lesson in history and geography. The most important that the family wants to share with others is the beauty of the rolling hills, trees, pastures and their way of life.

MiMi's Country Cupboard offers several items for sale. Purchase your very own PaPa Simpson's Farm t-shirt, or one of these farm fresh foods: cheddar cheese, jelly, sweet pickles, dill pickles, cinnamon pickles, pickled okra, salsa, candied jalapenos, pepper sauce, seasonal flowers, sugarcane stalks, herbs and fresh eggs.

PaPa Simpson's Farm is available for birthday parties, company picnics, fishing at the catfish pond, educational tours and family tours. The farm is also open for day care centers, nursing homes, church groups, clubs, companies, reunions, individuals, or families.

The cost of the family tour is $8.00 per person; children one and under are free. Reservations may be made by calling 318-263-2383 or 318-278-0883. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some fishing in the catfish pond after the tour.

Directions to PaPa Simpson’s Farm: Take Interstate 20 Exit 69 in Arcadia, travel Highway 151 North for 2 ½ miles; Turn left at Alabama Baptist Church onto Rich Road and follow the signs to MiMi’s Country Cottage. Please do not turn in at the gate that says “PaPa Simpson’s Farm.” Drive to the top of the hill and you will see MiMi’s Country Cottage. This is where the tour will start. The farm is located approximately 4 ½ miles from exit 69.

Future family tour dates are April 18, 2009 May 16, 2009, June 13, 2009, and July 18, 2009. In the fall the farm hosts a family fun day in October and there are special events at Christmas and Easter.



Source: PaPa Simpson's website http://papasimpsonsfarm.com/

Christmas in Claiborne Parish

November 3rd-8th Claiborne Parish merchants want folks to shop local first. A Holiday Open House in Homer and Haynesville featuring great sales and a $250 shopping spree giveaway will be held Saturday, November 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the open house, folks can get "A Taste of Homer" all you can eat for $10.00.

Claiborne Christmas Festival, Saturday, November 29th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Homer Square. Parade begins at 1 p.m. Enjoy games for kids, over 40 food and craft vendors, Christmas music, and a day of fun for the entire family.

The 3rd Annual "Hills of Homer" Christmas Run will be on November 29th with 10K and 5K Runs beginning at 8 a.m. in downtown Homer. Entry fee is $15 ($20 after November 16th). There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Walk/Run. Contact Wayne Hatfield at 318-927-2961 for more information.

If you have any questions about the Claiborne Christmas Festival or would like to participate in the Parade or as a vendor, contact City Hall at 318-927-1312.

Claiborne Parish Christmas Festival Cookbooks are available at several local merchants for $13.00 each. To reserve your copy, call 318-927-9009.

Merry Christmas Claiborne Parish from Louisiana Trekker!