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Mix and Mingle at Farm Sanctuary's California Country Hoe Down

Annual event includes prominent speakers, a catered vegan meal and shelter time with animals

Orland, CA - May 9, 2007 - Hayrides and a barn dance team up with knowledgeable speakers and a catered vegan dinner at Farm Sanctuary’s annual California Country Hoe Down. Held May 12 on our expansive 300-acre sanctuary in Orland, the Hoe Down draws animal advocates of all stripes to an event that offers practical advice, inspiration and a good bit of fun.

Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, welcomes a diverse group of speakers to our event. On the itinerary are: Gene Baur, president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary; Harold Brown, Farm Sanctuary outreach coordinator and former cattle farmer; Alka Chandna, senior researcher for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; and Nathan Runkle, executive director of Mercy for Animals.

“Every year, our Hoe Downs provide a fantastic opportunity to network with other activists and have a great time doing it,” said Michelle Waffner, Farm Sanctuary education manager. “It’s tough to say what the best part of our Hoe Down is—the barn dance, the charismatic speakers, getting to know the animals on our farm—we pack a lot into that one day.”

The Hoe Down will be held on sanctuary grounds at 19080 Newville Rd., Orland, Calif. Registration fee is $30 and includes the catered dinner. For more information, call 607-583-2225 ext. 221.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.