The Farm

Past Events

April 7, 2007
California Shelter Tour Season Begins
Visit the California Shelter, located near beautiful Black Butte Lake in Orland, and meet the dynamic, social and playful animals who reside at our 300 acre farm. Rescued from abuse and neglect, these incredible survivors teach visitors that farm animals can be our friends, rather than our food. Guided tours are held on Saturdays, every hour on the hour, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. from April 7 through November 24. Visitors are also invited to browse our gift shop and view the educational displays in our "People Barn."

April 7, 2007
Farm Sanctuary in the City: A Benefit for Compassion
Farm Sanctuary's Benefit for Compassion drew in more than 350 guests on April 7 at Jivamukti Yoga School in New York. The event was a resounding success for the animals! Chairman Russell Simmons inspired us with a presentation about his commitment to veganism and a life of compassion, and the talented Nelly McKay shared an enchanting performance. Vegetarian restaurants from all over the city provided an array of savory and sweet treats, and we previewed our new and soon-to-be-released educational video on foie gras cruelty.

April 21 & 22, 2007
Critter Care Conference at the California Shelter
Attracting close to 30 visitors, some from as far away as Ohio, Farm Sanctuary's Orland, California Critter Care Conference was a great success. At this critical, two-day training event, participants learned the basics of rescued farm animal care and were given the opportunity to learn and hone new skills through educational workshops led by our knowledgeable staff, as well as through hands-on experience with the shelter residents. Participants also learned about important topics, such as shelter administration and development, media relations, and outreach programs.

April 29, 2007
Farm Animal Forum, Philadelphia, PA
Nearly 200 advocates gathered in Philadelphia to learn more about farm animal advocacy, protection issues and current campaigns at our 6th Annual Farm Animal Forum. Joining us to inspire budding and longtime advocates to increase their participation in the fight against factory farming, several of the nation's leading animal protection spokespeople addressed conference attendees with critical educational information on a diverse range of topics. Non-profit and veg-friendly exhibitors also helped host the event by reaching out to attendees and providing them with alternatives for a cruelty-free living. Other Forum activities included a restaurant demonstration, a book-signing and a catered vegan lunch.

May 5, 2007
New York Shelter Tour Season Begins
Looking for an unforgettable experience? Visit the New York Shelter, located in Watkins Glen, and meet and greet hundreds of rescued farm animals, including cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, sheep, and goats. Guided tours are held every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays during the months of May, September and October, and on Wednesdays through Sundays during June, July and August. Visitors are also welcome to check out our country gift shop and view the educational displays at our Education Center.

May 12, 2007
Country Hoe Down at the California Shelter
A wonderful time was had by all who headed to sunny Northern California for Farm Sanctuary's Country Hoe Down. Always memorable and fun-filled, our annual event provided guests with the opportunity to make new farm animal friends and attend presentations by inspiring movement leaders, including Gene Baur, Harold Brown, Alka Chandna, and Nathan Runkle. Event participants also indulged in delicious, cruelty-free versions of traditional picnic foods, make-your-own vegan sundaes, and complimentary beer and wine. Music and plenty of lively entertainment were provided by the traditional Irish band, the Pub Scouts and Chico's very own, DJ Aaron. See photos of our 2007 event here.

May 24, 2007
"Ithaca Artist Hoot" benefits Farm Sanctuary
More than 10 performers took the stage at the "Ithaca Artist Hoot" to benefit Farm Sanctuary on May 24 at Castaways in Ithaca, N.Y. DJs Bob Proehl and Luke Frenchel laid down the tracks between live performances by: Johnny Dowd, Hubcap, Mary Lorson & Saint Low, Trevor MacDonald, The Small Kings, The Splendors, Jennie Stearns, Kathy Ziegler.

May 28, 2007
Memorial Day Open Houses at the California and New York Shelters
Starting the summer off on the right hoof, people from all over flocked to Farm Sanctuary’s New York and California Shelters for a chance to meet and greet curious cows, talkative turkeys, sweet sheep, playful pigs, and many other friendly farm animals. A fun-filled and memorable time for guests big and small, our Memorial Day Open House event is one tradition we just love to keep going strong!

June 16 &17, 2007
ZOOP! A Benefit for Farm Sanctuary
Music lovers from across the country and overseas traveled to the New York Shelter on June 16 and 17 for ZOOP! The benefit concert, featuring John Darnielle and Peter Hughes of The Mountain Goats and Perry Wright of The Prayers and Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers, certainly rocked the rafters of our People Barn! Not only were thousands of dollars raised, but the 200 fans in attendance also witnessed the kind of life all farm animals should have.

July 4, 2007
New York & California Pignics
Farm Sanctuary's 4th of July Pignics were crowd pleasers with tasty vegan food, free tours of the sanctuary, and fun and games for all ages! Over 200 people attended these annual events held at our California and New York Shelters celebrating the freedom the rescued animal residents enjoy and serving as a reminder that billions of other farm animals need our help to share this same basic right.

July 21 & 22, 2007
Sowing Seeds Workshop at the New York Shelter
Farm Sanctuary welcomed 30 advocates for a compassionate world to this two-day workshop led by the Institute for Humane Education. Participants gained insight into and concrete examples of ways to teach on the topics of consumerism, media, animal protection, environmental preservation, social justice, and their connections. Hosting the workshop on the sanctuary grounds provided participants with the rare opportunity to spend time with some of the very individuals that they may be advocating for in the future. The combination of one enthusiastic teacher, dozens of caring individuals, catered vegan meals, and an intimate tour of the sanctuary produced a successful and unforgettable weekend.

August 3, 2007
Twilight Tour at the California Shelter
Escaping the summer heat, Farm Sanctuary supporters far and wide flocked to our California Shelter for this intimate evening tour where they got a sneak peak of the critters preparing for bedtime. After the roosters nestled down on their perches and the pigs snuggled into their beds of hay, guests retreated to the People Barn to enjoy a memorable sanctuary sunset over tasty, vegan hors d'oeuvres and organic wine.

August 4 & 5, 2007
New York Country Hoe Down
While this year's New York Country Hoe Down was packed with new, exciting activities, the familiar feelings of camaraderie and peacefulness continue to make this one of our most special onsite events. Guided tours of the sanctuary, yoga instruction and walks to identify wild edibles were enjoyed by guests as new additions to this year's conference. In addition to Farm Sanctuary staff, George Eisman, Amie Hamlin, Dr. Emily Levine, lauren Ornelas, and Dr. Will Tuttle delivered informative and enthusiastic presentations on animal and vegetarian advocacy. With the help of local musician Bill Henrey and band, veteran caller, Casey Carr, led guests in Square and Contra dancing in the barn followed by music from Farm Sanctuary's own DJ Don.

September 3, 2007
Caring Kids Festival at the New York Shelter
Approximately 200 people attended the New York Shelter's Caring Kids Festival. Guests enjoyed humane education presentations and guided tours, vegan food samples, and a presentation and cooking demonstration by the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food's Executive Director, Amie Hamlin. Children had fun creating art from recycled materials, competing in the Veggie Olympics, and having their faces painted. This first-ever event provided examples of alternatives to animal-derived foods and information on what kids and families can do to make the world a more compassionate place for farm animals.

September 8, 2007
Gala for Farm Animals, Beverly Hills, CA
Farm Sanctuary gathered with hundreds of celebrities, artists, legislators, and other animal advocates to raise funds and awareness at the 2007 Gala for Farm Animals. This important event was held at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. Check back for photos soon!

September 15, 2007
Twilight Tour at the New York Shelter
With the sun setting in the background, 100 Twilight Tour participants communed with the New York Shelter's rescued residents during their favorite time of the day. Many first-time visitors learned about industrialized farming cruelties and discovered just how delicious a vegan diet can be. Gourmet vegan cheeses, local wines and sumptuous vegan fare from area restaurants impressed vegans and non-vegetarians alike. Guests also helped raise money for Farm Sanctuary's education and outreach programs by participating in a silent auction.

September 15 & 16, 2007
Critter Care Conference at the New York Shelter
Two dozen dedicated animal lovers joined New York Shelter staff and rescued residents to gain an insider perspective on starting an animal sanctuary. The heads of Farm Sanctuary's Development, Communications, Education, and Shelter Departments presented key information about the effectiveness of Farm Sanctuary's unique mission of rescue, education and advocacy. Critter Care Conference participants also gained hands-on experience in farm animal care basics.

September/October, 2007
Walk for Farm Animals
This fall, thousands of people across North America rallied together to promote compassion and speak out against cruelty as part of the 2007 Walk for Farm Animals. Working together on behalf of farm animals in need, walkers and their sponsors also raised much needed funds for Farm Sanctuary's rescue and protection campaigns. Results of the 2007 Walks.

October 30, 2007
Farm Sanctuary's Halloween Bash
Farm Sanctuary's Halloween Bash with special guest Joan Jett and celebrity DJs Princess Superstar and Johanna Fateman (of "Le Tigre") featured spookily delicious vegan treats, fabulous free vegan eats, and an organic cocktail bar - and raised thousands of dollars for farm animals in need! Click here to read more about the event and view photos.

November 17, 2007
New York & California Celebration FOR the Turkeys
At these sold-out events, hundreds of farm animal fans gathered at our New York & California shelters to celebrate a cruelty-free, turkey-friendly Thanksgiving. Participants enjoyed vegan holiday fare, shelter time with the critters, special guest presentations and, of course, our famous turkey feeding ceremonies, where our fine feathered friends took center stage and delighted in their own decadent feast of stuffed squash and pumpkin pie! See CA event photos and NY event photos.

March 4, 2008
Book Launch Party, New York City
The atmosphere was electric at the Salmagundi Art Club as more than 250 guests joined Farm Sanctuary to celebrate the release of President and Co-Founder Gene Baur's new book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. Celebrities Loretta Swit, Moby, Sue Coe and Dan Piraro were among the sold-out crowd who passionately listened to Gene read excerpts from the book and speak from his heart about Farm Sanctuary's efforts and our animal friends. Vegan hors d'oeuvres and organic wine provided by Candle 79 added a delicious touch to a most delightful evening. For more information on Gene Baur's book tour, please visit www.genebaur.org.

March 15, 2008
LA Book Launch Party
6-8pm
Join Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder Gene Baur and celebrity guests Rosanna Arquette, Brendan Brazier, Emily Deschanel, Rory Freedman, Alexandra Paul, Daniela Sea, Loretta Swit, Persia White, Kelli Williams, and Bob Zmuda for the release of Gene's new book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food.

May 1, 2008
Tour Season Begins at our NY Shelter
Visit the New York Shelter, located in Watkins Glen, and learn about the hundreds of rescued farm animals who are now soaking in the sun and frolicking in pastures. Guided tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays in May, September and October and Wednesday through Sunday in June, July and August. Guests are also welcome to browse our cruelty-free gift shop and learn how to help end factory farming abuses at our Visitor Center. If you are looking to extend your stay, book one of our Bed & Breakfast Cabins and wake up to crowing roosters on a picturesque farm.

May 3, 2008
Tour Season Begins at our CA Shelter
Visit the California Shelter, located in Orland, to come face to face with hundreds of rescued farm animals and hear their inspiring stories of survival. Guided tours are offered every Saturday through the end of October. While you're here, check out our Visitor Center complete with educational displays and a cruelty-free gift shop. Make your stay extra-special by staying in our spacious Country Cabin overlooking our beautiful 300-acre sanctuary.

May 3, 2008
Country Hoe Down at our CA Shelter
Animal lovers unite! Join other Farm Sanctuary supporters and learn how to be an active participant in the nation's leading efforts to rescue and protect farm animals. You won't want to miss this informative and fun-filled day, complete with presentations by noted animal advocates, quality time with the critters, scrumptious vegan food, and dancing. To register and find out more about this exciting event, please click here.

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