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Fall 2011

SEPTEMBER

September 6th

Balsam Barn Gift Shop opens. Now open weekdays 10-5. Weekends 10-6. Kiddie Corral Playground, Slide Mountain and Critz Critter Animal Area also open daily. Weekday day-use fee applies for non-season pass holders.See our admission policy for details.

Ongoing Activities ~ Every Weekend from September 17th through October 23rd ~ Six Weekends of Fun!

Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration. Corn maze, wagon rides, apple and pumpkin picking, cider making demonstrations, gift shop, and more! Open weekends through October 23rd (10/29-10/30 weather permitting) 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission $7.00 per person includes Season Pass. Discount Family Pass available online. (For more details, read our Admission Policy.)

The Harvest Moon Cider Mill opens with pressing demonstrations throughout the day. Fresh, hot apple cider donuts, apples and fresh, sweet cider available for sale. New for 2011: The Harvest Mill Cidery and Tasting Room! We invite the over 21 crowd to visit the new Farm Winery specializing in hard cider, opening on September 17th-- free tasting token provided with admission.

The gigantic corn maze opens. This year's design is The Three Little Pigs! Visitors to the maze will have the opportunity to win a prize by locating five of the seven stations inside the maze. At each station, maze-goers will be able to connect with the old favorite tale of the Three Little Pigs.

The Critz Café and Grill Tent open for food service. Remain open weekend days 10-5. Check the Cafe page for the menu! Lots of delicious goodies including fritters, French fries and candied apples!

Kiddie Corral and Slide Mountain Playgrounds open daily. These fenced areas have a 45 foot wooden train, a 17 foot wooden pirate ship, sand box, swing set, 22 foot tube slide and more. Returning this year~ The Cow Train! Open weekends only!

The Critz Critter Animal Area opens with over 25 animals including moms and babies! ~Open daily.

Visit the Critz Farms Hop House, a replica of the historic pyramidal hop kilns used in this area in the mid 1800's. The Hop House Snack Bar serves up munchies and drinks. Indoor seating space available.

Entertainment and Special Events

September 17th & 18th

Armed Services Appreciation Weekend- Free admission to the farm and all the activities for families of all service men and women. We appreciate all you do! Wear a uniform or show your ID at the gate. Families of actively deployed service members-be sure to let us know and receive an extra thank you gift.

Saturday, September 17th

Grand Opening of the Harvest Moon Cidery - our new farm winery specializing in the production of hard cider. We'll have six different sparkling and still hard cider products for you to try in our new Tasting Room. Enjoy a glass of cider on the new patio!

Third Annual Critz Farms Kermis - a Cyclocross Bike Races through the tree fields and woodlands of the farm- Kids race too! More details to follow!

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: Chris Farrar and Mike Doyle

Sunday, September 18th

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: Diamond Sunday Bluegrass Band

Monday, September 19th

Educational Farm Tours begin. Tours are available for schools, organizations or other groups, by appointment, weekdays only. Pumpkin Tour curriculum is ideal for preschoolers through grade 3. Apple Cider Tours are designed for kindergarten to grade 4. Call 315-662-3355 to ask questions or book a tour.

September 24th & 25th

Big Toys for Big Girls and Boys Farm Equipment Show. Sponsored by Empire Tractor of Cazenovia for the 11th year in a row! Actually drive a great big tractor! Climb into the driver’s seat of some other really big farm and construction equipment! Local farmers, construction companies and equipment dealers donate the use of their tractors, harvesters, combines, tractor-trailers, etc. We'll even have some antique tractors on hand!

Saturday, September 24h

12:00 p.m.- Pedal, Pedal, Pull! Children's pedal tractor pull. Open to kids weighing less than 100 pounds. Five different weight classes. Ribbons for all participants!

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: John Liuzzo's Kid's Songs

Sunday, September 25th

Motorcycle Sunday! Free admission for all visitors who arrive on a motorcycle! All bikers welcome~ We'll reserve the paved parking area just for you. Enjoy some music, food and fall fun, and show off your beautiful bikes to the other visitors!

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: John Cadley and Cathy Wenthen

OCTOBER

October 1st and 2nd

HAUNTED BARN FOR LITTLE MONSTERS - This activity is designed in the spirit of a "spook house" for the 3-10 year old crowd. The event is sponsored by the Cazenovia Youth Baseball Association and is a fundraiser to benefit their organization's programs.

Saturday, October 1st

Welcome Cazenovia College students and families. Admission tickets and food vouchers available in your Homecoming Weekend welcome packet from the College!

1:00 p.m.: Live Entertainment: The Twin Magicians

Sunday, October 2nd

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: Old Clay Stone

October 8th & 9th

HAUNTED BARN FOR LITTLE MONSTERS - This activity is designed in the spirit of a "spook house" for the 3-10 year old crowd. The event is sponsored by the Cazenovia Youth Baseball Association and is a fundraiser to benefit their organization's programs.

Helicopter Rides: Weather permitting, sponsored by TLC Helicopter Service. Fly over the farm and surrounding area to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage! This is a private enterprise unaffiliated with Critz Farms, so an extra fee is required.

Saturday, October 8th

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: John Cadley and the Lost Boys

Sunday, October 9th

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: The FabCats

Columbus Day- Monday, October 10th

Farm open with all Fall Harvest Celebration weekend activities including cider mill, wagon rides, corn maze, playgrounds, and food service. Weekend admission policy applies.

October 15th & 16th

HAUNTED BARN FOR LITTLE MONSTERS - This activity is designed in the spirit of a "spook house" for the 3-10 year old crowd. The event is sponsored by the Cazenovia Youth Baseball Association and is a fundraiser to benefit their organization's programs.

Saturday, October 15th

1:00 p.m.: Entertainment: The Songflower Man

Sunday, October 16th

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: Dave Novak and Mixed Nuts

October 22nd & 23rd

HAUNTED BARN FOR LITTLE MONSTERS - This activity is designed in the spirit of a "spook house" for the 3-10 year old crowd. The event is sponsored by the Cazenovia Youth Baseball Association and is a fundraiser to benefit their organization's programs.

Saturday, October 22nd

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: The Songflower Man

Sunday, October 23rd

1:00 p.m.: Live Musical Entertainment: Out of the Woodwork

October 29th & 30th ~

We will be open this weekend weather permitting. Due to the chance of it being cold, rainy or snowy, we prefer to make the decision as we get closer. So- don't miss out and wait for this last weekend- rather, visit us earlier and plan to come again for one last blast if the weather turns off gorgeous!

We also reserve the right to open at a modified level, perhaps not offering all of the activities, or waiving admission fees. We'll let you know! Thanks for understanding!

Thanks for visiting and enjoying the Fall Harvest Celebration!

NOVEMBER

November 2, 2011

Wreath making starts! Order gifts for shipment all over the USA. Click on the Online Shopping Button on the side or bottom of this page to place an order.

Balsam Barn Gift Shop remains open Monday through Saturday 10-5, except Thanksgiving. Open seven days a week beginning Nov. 25th.

Daily Starting Friday, November 25th

Traditions start here… Holiday Family Fun.

• We have a HUGE selection of freshly harvested Critz Farms grown trees displayed out of the weather in our 200 year old historic barn.
• Or--Cut Your Own Christmas trees.
• Farm fresh balsam fir wreaths are also available for sale.
• Tractor drawn wagon rides to Christmas tree fields are available from 12 noon until dark Wednesday through Friday, and from 9:00 am until dark on Saturdays and Sundays.Visitors are welcome to walk out to the tree fields at other times.
• Critz Café re-opens for Christmas season. Food service available on weekends only. Kids get free hot cocoa or Critz Farms apple cider when cafe is open!

There is NOT an admission charge during the Christmas Season.

Saturday, November 26th

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus come to Critz Farms! -- Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for tractor drawn wagon rides, weather permitting, and then Santa and "the Mrs." will meet farm visitors in the gift shop. Children will have the chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell their holiday wishes. Santa's visit 1:00-4:00. Farm and gift shop open from 9-6. Critz Café open 9-5. Christmas tree cutting and tractor drawn wagon rides. Free admission. Free candy canes and cocoa or cider for kids!

DECEMBER

Daily through December 20th

Traditions start here… Holiday Family Fun.

• We have a HUGE selection of freshly harvested Critz Farms grown trees displayed out of the weather in our 200 year old historic barn.
• Or--Cut Your Own Christmas trees.
• Farm fresh balsam fir wreaths are also available for sale.
• Tractor drawn wagon rides to Christmas tree fields are available from 12 noon until dark Wednesday through Friday, and from 9:00 am until dark on Saturdays and Sundays.Visitors are welcome to walk out to the tree fields at other times.
• Critz Café re-opens for Christmas season. Food service available on weekends only. Kids get free hot cocoa or Critz Farms apple cider when cafe is open!

There is NOT an admission charge during the Christmas Season.

December 21st--- We will be closed for the season. Thanks very much for your business! However, if you still haven't gotten your tree, we do allow self serve cut-your-own or pre-cut tree and wreath sales in the barn from December 21-24. The farm office and gift shop will be closed, and there are no services, restrooms, wagon rides, or balers. Saws and rope for securing your tree to your car will be available.

Winter 2011-2012

We will be closed for the season from just before Christmas through early March. Thank you very much for your business, and we look forward to seeing you in the spring! If you want to be notified when we open for Maple Season, please sign up for our e-mail list by clicking the green button at the bottom of the menu bar!

Spring 2012

MARCH

Weekends March 17- April 1, 2012:

Maple Syrup Celebration . We will be open for maple syrup production~ Come by the farm and watch how maple syrup is made. Enjoy our All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet from 9-1. Fresh, homemade maple syrup will be available for tasting and for sale. Sugar House tours and hay rides to the sugarbush are offered from 9-3.

There is NOT an admission charge during the Maple Season.

Mid March

Educational Farm Tours begin. Group tours available Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Curriculum includes pre and post tour activities and information for teachers and group leaders, structured lesson and tour, as well as a sample bottle of syrup for participants. Cost $5.00 per person. Call the farm for more information or to schedule a tour.

March 17-18 and March 24-25, 2012: Maple Weekend in New York State is a special time when syrup producers statewide invite visitors to their sugar houses to learn more about the art (and science) of maple syrup production. After visiting Critz Farms, take time to visit some of the other area Sugarmakers. For more information, and a complete listing of participating producers, visit the web site at www.mapleweekend.com.

There is NOT an admission charge during the Maple Season.

Mid April (depending on the weather)

Seedlings and transplants sales start. Four to five year old blue, white, and Norway spruce, and white pine are available. 14-24 inch bare root seedlings. Bundles of 25 transplants for $29.95. Available 7 days a week.

For wholesale prices on commercial quantities (minimum 500), please contact us at the farm.

Farm fresh maple syrup will be available self-serve in the main barn.

Summer 2011

JUNE- JULY-AUGUST

Plan your unique Farm Tour Party at Critz Farms this summer. Any kind of celebration from family reunions to birthdays to company picnics. We can help you plan your party around one of our seasonal crops, or just enjoy the beautiful farm setting. Incorporate a hayride and a little informational tour for something different. Call the office or send an e-mail for more information!

All summer long...Enjoy the Kiddie Corral Playground any time. Visitors are always welcome! Be sure to stop and see the animals too!

Balsam Barn Gift Shop is open beginning mid July. Summer hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 10-4.

There is no admission charge in the summer!

JULY

Pick your own blueberries. Call for the Critz Farms Berry Report, starting date, and field conditions. Self serve from dawn til dusk daily. Children and families welcome.

AUGUST

Pick your own blueberries. Call for the Critz Farms Berry Report, starting date, and field conditions. Self serve from dawn til dusk daily. Children and families welcome.

Fresh cut sunflowers and gladiolus. Beautiful flowers available on the stand from dawn til dusk daily. Treat yourself or bring to a friend! They are spectacular!

Please join our e-mail list by entering your e-mail address in the green box at the bottom of the menu bar. Find out when each crop is ready and what special events we have planned. You will be able to personalize which mailings you receive and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please check out previous e-mails by clicking here for our Critz Farms E-mail Archive. Thanks!

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Critz Farms 3232 Rippleton Road Cazenovia, NY 13035	Phone: 315-662-3355 800-442-3225 Fax:(315)662-3040 email:info@critzfarms.com