Tom Sawyer Days at the Farm

We're really not sure if we should let you do this work. Honest, we really think we should do it ourselves.

Well, ok, if you REALLY want to do some of this work.

Come to a Tom Sawyer Day!

*** June 13 will be a special Tom Sawyer Day! Read On!

NOTE: The day of this TSD is changed from our original calendar.

The Genuine Faux Farm is pairing our Tom Sawyer Day with a chance to support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

When: June 13 from 1pm to 5pm. Food available starting at 5pm. Attendees may arrive at any time from 1 to 5pm. (Rain date: June 20th)

RSVP: Please let us know if you plan on attending as soon as you make the decision to attend. Knowledge of attendees helps us to plan the task list and the event so that it is a positive experience for all who wish to be involved. You do NOT need to let us know that you will NOT be attending.

Food: After the workday, there will be some food. We will provide roast bison sandwiches from the Sumner Locker and Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch. Attendees are encouraged to bring other potluck items if desired, but this is not required.

How will your participation help the Food Bank? : There will be a free-will offering jar available for donations to the food shelf. Also, GFF will make their organic bags with logo available for $10, with $2 of every purchase going to the food bank. A representative from the food bank will be in attendance to answer questions. And, by pairing a local food producer and the area food bank, we hope to encourage everyone to think about how local foods can support those in need. If you want a direct link, GFF donates fresh produce to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Your efforts to help us get tasks done at the farm helps us to achieve higher yields. Higher yields provide more produce for CSA members AND the food bank!

What is a Tom Sawyer Day?

Tom Sawyer Days are scheduled events at the farm where we invite members on our email distribution list to come work on the farm for part of a day.

Why Attend?

Many individuals who have attended a Tom Sawyer Day have found a new appreciation for the food they receive through the CSA or purchase at market. Others have commented that they feel like they are more integrated into the CSA community. We have also received the comment that share holders find it to be a positive part of investing further in the farm and its principles.

We know from our own experience that it is, for some reason, relaxing to work for someone else for a short while. Why? Well, you don't have to make decisions, you know it will end...and you get to try something different from what you are used to doing!

Signing Up:

Once the day is announced, we ask persons who intend to participate to RSVP their intentions to us. It is important that we know WHO and HOW MANY are coming so we can provide appropriate tasks to all participants.

Showing Up:

You may show up at any point during the Tom Sawyer Day schedule. If the schedule calls for work from 3pm to 6 pm, you can arrive at 5pm and be just as welcome as those who arrive at 3pm. Just let us know what you are planning.

Please wear appropriate clothing. Bring gloves. Use sunscreen!

Tasks:

Tasks will vary depending on who shows up and the time of year. Weeding is frequently a necessary task, but we have done some of each of the following at TSD's:

• weeding
• painting
• spreading mulch
• set up tomato cages
• tearing down tomato cages
• cleaning up old vegetation
• small building projects
• setting up food for volunteers

We try to find something that everyone can do, including children with a parent's supervision.

Food:

There is often interest in food after the completion of the work period. If people want to bring a few items to munch, we supplement as best we can. Obviously, we don't want to turn this part into a huge production - but it's good to put fuel back into the workers! In fact, a volunteer or two can take on the task of arranging to prepare the food that is brought to share. Common fare is sandwich makings, snack items and some fresh, in season veg.