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Celebrate 20 Years Of Rescue, Education And Advocacy At Farm Sanctuary's New York Country Hoe Down

Peter Singer and Jim Mason to Discuss New Book, "The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter"

Watkins Glen, NY - July 27, 2006 -On August 5 and 6, Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal shelter and advocacy organization, will open the doors of its People Barn for a weekend dedicated to farm animals and the advocates who work on their behalf. Farm Sanctuary's 20th Anniversary Country Hoe Down, held at the New York Shelter in Watkins Glen, offers guests the chance to meet hundreds of rescued farm animals, take shelter tours, enjoy hayrides, attend educational presentations, eat delicious vegan food, and shake their "tail feathers" at a late-night barn dance.

This year's featured Hoe Down speakers include Peter Singer, groundbreaking ethicist, author and Princeton University Professor who was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by TIME magazine in 2005. He and Jim Mason, author and attorney, will discuss their latest book, "The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter." Adam Durand, noted amateur filmmaker, who was imprisoned after documenting appalling conditions at a Wegmans egg laying facility, will reveal to guests how 98% of eggs in the U.S. reach grocery store shelves. Julie Lewin, president of the National Institute of Animal Advocacy, will teach attendees how to advocate for the legal protection of farm animals. Farm Sanctuary's own Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), co-founder and president, will speak about 20 years of rescue, education and advocacy for farm animals, Susie Coston, the New York Shelter director will introduce guests to the animal residents, and Harold Brown, outreach coordinator, noted for his appearance in "Peaceable Kingdom," will talk about the truth behind free range and organic meat.

The Country Hoe Down fee is $75 per person for the full conference and includes Saturday and Sunday lunches, and Saturday dinner and barn dance. Free rustic camping is available on the farm and hotel accommodations are only a short drive from the shelter. Registration for the Country Hoe Down is required and the deadline is on July 30, 2006.

Directions from Watkins Glen:
Follow Route 409 West (up hill on Fourth Street) and turn right onto Route 23/28. Stay on Route 23 as it branches off to the left (one mile). Continue on Route 23 for eight miles, and turn left onto Aikens Road. Follow Aikens Road for two miles until you see the Farm Sanctuary Visitor Center on the left at 3100 Aikens Road. Look for Farm Sanctuary signs along the way.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.