We bought a farm! When I say we have waited years for this that’s exactly what I mean. Since Josh and I first met we have been dreaming of the day we would own our own farm and we had the chance to revel in that blessing recently at our first ever Porch Party at the newly introduced R+R Farms and future home of our retail store Roost + Restore Home!
This is something brand new we are bringing to our small town of Fancy Farm, KY, and if we’re getting super technical, we are situated on the corner of 2 dead end roads in Dublin, KY. It’s literally too small for a stop light, much less its own post office. Nonetheless, our farm it situated on approximately 50 acres in the middle of nowhere, just the way we like it.
We knew right after taking ownership of the farm that we wanted to share it with the community and we immediately began plans for an event that would bring out the best our area has to offer. That is when we decided to host our very first semi-annual Porch Party event on June 25th. With 6 weeks to execute and a slew of ideas running through our heads we got to work planning and coordinating an experience we knew would be amazing!
After sharing the idea with my online community the interest from vendors blew us away! We had over 50 applications for booth spots and we committed to 30 amazing makers, small business owners and Amish bakers to set up at the event. (Below) I have listed a few (not all) of the vendors we had the opportunity to share out farm with!
Gates opened at 9 am and our first visitor arrived at 8:30 am! I guess you could say the rest is history but that really wouldn’t do the day justice. Our designated parking area was overflowing into the fields by 10:30 am and folks just kept coming! It was both humbling and exciting to see so many people take time out of their weekend, in the extreme heat for that matter, to visit our little farm on the corner.
No market is complete without yummy food and sweet treats. Visitors were able to stay cool with fresh strawberry lemonade from Jones Farms Dessert Market, and iced coffee from Frontier Coffee! We also had mini drizzle donuts from KC’s Donuts and fresh, made-to-order plate lunches from Jay’s Sandwiches and sides. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory and all the food got rave reviews which we are so proud of!
R+R FARMS TO SPECIALIZE IN AGRITOURISM
On Saturday, over 300 individuals visited the newly introduced R+R Farms.
Roost + Restore Home was once a store located in the City of Mayfield, however, once land became available near their home owner Kaycee Geeding saw her family’s dreams becoming a reality.
“Having a farm has been the dream we have always had for our family. When we saw the opportunity to buy the land adjacent to our home we couldn’t resist the opportunity to build on our dream,” said Geeding.
The R+R Farms hosted their first-ever Spring Porch Party, which consisted of 29 vendors, from local artisans, food trucks, Amish baked goods, and more.
R+R Farms is a 50-plus acre family farm that will specialize in agritourism, heritage breed livestock and commercial greenhouse growing.
“Saturday was nothing short of incredible. We planned for 100, not knowing what to expect. We tripled that,” said Geeding. “I never would have imagined our little dead-end road in Dublin being so popular. We met so many new folks and made connections in the community that we never imagined.”
While Saturday held nothing but success for R+R Farms, there is still more to come as they continue their growth. Currently, R+R Farms is planning their Fall Porch Party and continuing to renovate the barn that will become their retail and maker’s space. They will also begin hosting a monthly Make + Take Project that intertwines with their current online business.
“We hope to become a destination for locals and families throughout the seasons. Including but not limited to u‑pick pumpkins, wildflowers, live music, animal encounters, a lake, and eventually a private campground,” said Geeding. “
Geeding would also like to see their new location become a market center for the thriving Amish community as well.
“They have something incredible to offer the community and being able to be their partner and have their goods in-store would be an amazing opportunity for all. In the coming months we are looking to become an area provider for plants and other seasonal vegetation as we grow into our space,” said Geeding. “I don’t have enough words to say how incredible our community is. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up and enjoying our little slice of heaven. There is plenty more where that came from.”
By TAYLOR SHEA WEST twest @mayfield-messenger.com
