An annual summer tradition at our Watkins Glen, New York, location, Hoedown featured a unique behind-the-scenes Farm Sanctuary experience this year, offering guests a first-of-its-kind chance to follow along with our teams for an inside look at our storytelling, education, and advocacy to save farm animals, change hearts and minds, and drive progress to end factory farming.

From compelling presentations by movement leaders to time with rescued farm animals, delicious vegan food, dancing to live music, and more, Hoedown was a weekend of inspiration we can carry with us as we continue building a kinder, more sustainable future for animals, people, and the planet.

On the eve of Hoedown Weekend, we welcomed our dedicated Friends of Hilda Club members for a special gathering to thank them for their leadership-level support and all we’ve achieved together. The Friends of Hilda Club is named for Sanctuary’s first rescue, Hilda, and this month is a special time to honor her memory, 40 years since she was saved on August 3, 1986.

As Hoedown began the next morning, tents lined the picturesque grounds of our Upstate New York sanctuary. Some Hoedown guests stayed in one of the nearby accommodations the Watkins Glen area has to offer, while others spent their weekend camping under the stars.

At Hoedown, guests found hope in the inspiring solutions and progress presented by advocates from across movements, speaking to issues surrounding farm animals, our food system, the environment, and social justice.

Presenters included Gene Baur, Aaron Rimmler-Cohen, Aashritha Kumar, Yaneli Ibrahim, and Andrea Burritt (Farm Sanctuary); Jo-Anne McArthur (We Animals); Zoe Weil (Institute for Humane Education); Fabiola Ortiz Valdez (Food Chain Workers); Joanna Zelman (filmmaker); Ashley Ingram (Earthjustice); Lorena Mucke (Educated Choices); and Barbara Gates (Healthy Kids Happy Planet). On Sunday morning, attendees participated in yoga and meditation led by Lauren Napoli.

On Saturday evening, a beloved Hoedown tradition continued, as we had a dance party and bonfire, and guests enjoyed beverages generously donated by Fox Run Vineyards, Liquid State Brewing, and Finger Lakes Distilling Co. The cruelties we fight in this movement can weigh heavily on our hearts, but the progress we make is worth celebrating—and it’s always a joy to gather with like-minded friends of farm animals.

We also hosted a private screening of “Cow Trip,” the viral short film by Joanna Zelman, which tells the moving story of a father-daughter road trip to save a calf. After the screening, guests enjoyed a Q&A with the filmmakers.

During open sanctuary time, guests spend meaningful moments connecting with some of our rescued residents, getting to know farm animals as individuals, and hearing their stories of hope and healing. 

Throughout the weekend, guests savored delicious and sustainable vegan meals made with compassion at our on-site cafe, The Kitchen at Farm Sanctuary, and including products generously donated by Beyond and Upton’s Naturals. Meals began with a continental breakfast on Saturday morning and concluded with a farewell lunch on Sunday, marking a Hoedown to remember.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Hoedown during this milestone year at Farm Sanctuary. We hope you were moved by this special event centered on compassion, community, and change.

Inspired to do more? Join our remote volunteering hub, the Community Action Network (CAN), to work with Farm Sanctuary staff to make a difference for farm animals from wherever you live.