Howell Living History Farm will hold its 34th annual Plowing Match on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 10am to 4pm. A dozen teams of draft animals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York are entered in the match, which tests the performance of farmers, their horses and oxen.
Members of the general public, including youngsters, can win ribbons by plowing in visitor classes beginning at 10:30am. Classes are for ages 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16 & up. No experience is necessary.
Pony rides, wagon rides, an obstacle course driving competition, and music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band are also planned. At noon, hungry plowers and visitors can lunch on roast pork sandwiches, a chicken barbecue, kosher franks, and local potatoes and sweet corn.
Plow match judges, some of whom are traveling from as far as Virginia and Oklahoma to help with the match, will present trophies and ribbons to the winners of all classes at 1:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 9.
Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and maintained by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29, in Hopewell Township. The GPS address is 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information, please call the farm office at (609) 737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org or www.mercercountyparks.org.
