46th Annual Waters Farm Days

Visit Waters Farm on October 17 and 18 for a family-oriented weekend full of fun activities and educational experiences. In addition to the many activities and vendors you look forward to seeing each year, there are new activities and performances scheduled for the 46th Annual Farm Days celebration in West Sutton.

The Providence Brigade Band, a 19th century brass band, will offer two performances each day at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Band members dress in military uniforms of the period and play with Civil War era instruments. The band has performed throughout southeastern New England as well as Gettysburg PA. Additional music will be provided by Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer. We will also welcome back the Witches of Sutton for a Sunday afternoon performance.

The Sutton Agricultural Trust is planning a Farmer Fitness Competition. More information on this event will follow. Also sponsored by the Sutton AG Trust, the Animal Showcase will include 4-H animals, goats, small farm animals, cattle projects, and Angel Hair Alpacas. Other animal exhibitors will include horses, donkeys, mules, working teams of oxen, pet rescues and dog agility demonstrations.

The Ken Ethier Memorial Antique Tractor Show features the Chapter 18 International Harvester Club and other enthusiasts from New England, who will be displaying and demonstrating their antique tractors, implements, and doodlebugs. The farm also features Antique Tractor Pulls, with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. and pulling beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending when the last tractor pulls the heaviest load over the finish line. Kiddie pedal tractor pulls will be held, track permitting, during lunch breaks at the pull. Come and cheer them on! The Sten Brote Memorial Engine Show honors decades of collecting, restoring, and honoring antique engines. On Sunday, come and view all of the vehicles participating in the Bruce Nichols Memorial Car Show, located in the upper field.

Did you know that Stephen Waters, builder of the original 1757 portion of the farmhouse, and all three of his brothers served in the Revolutionary War? Learn about their service, Waters family history, and speak with our resident Waters genealogist in the Darling Barn. You may also view local history presented by the Sutton Historical Society.

There will be a number of craft vendors and food vendors located throughout the farm property, including Waters Farm Famous Apple Crisp, served plain, with ice cream or homemade caramel sauce. Delicious! Stop in at the Peddler’s Shop for Waters Farm related clothing and gifts. Visit the Darling Barn to view a Halloween Village display, courtesy of Doug Matthews. Demonstrations from years past include our working Blacksmith Shop, Maple Sugar House, and Shingle Mill, plus an antique hammer mill processing grain near the Shingle Mill. Costumed interpreters will cook on the restored hearth in the Waters Farmhouse and give tours of the family home.

Children’s activities take place on both days. Enjoy games, contests, barrel train rides, inflatables, and bottle rockets. The Sutton Robotic Team and Scouts will also be onsite. Wagon rides will be provided by our neighbor, Whittier Farms. Representatives from the Sutton Food Pantry will be collecting donations of shelf stable food and supplies in the parking lot.

There is so much to see and do at the 46th Annual Farm Days at historic Waters Farm. We hope to see you there!