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Farm Sanctuary Swings Open Barn Doors for Rootin' Tootin' Country Hoe Down

New York Shelter Event Boasts Impressive Speaker Line-up and Loads of Fun Activities

Watkins Glen, N.Y. – July 24, 2008 - Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, invites animal enthusiasts across the country to its Country Hoe Down on August 2 and 3. This educational and inspirational event offers practical information and advice for animal advocates and features fun activities and entertainment that will allow guests to enjoy the company of rescued farm animals and each other. The weekend event will be held at Farm Sanctuary’s 175-acre New York Shelter, home to about 800 rescued pigs, cows, turkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese.

This year’s Hoe Down features a fabulous line-up of presentations from renowned leaders in the animal protection movement including best-selling author and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Founder Captain Paul Watson, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Vice President Bruce Friedrich, among many others. One of the nonprofit’s most anticipated annual events, the Hoe Down boasts plenty of meet and greet time with hundreds of rescued farm animals, delicious vegan meals, nature walks, morning yoga sessions, a boot-stompin’ barn dance (with live music by Ithaca’s own Black Eyed Susies), a toasty bonfire under the stars, and, of course, breathtaking scenery and fresh country air.

“Our speaker line-up is one of the most exciting in years,” said Farm Sanctuary Education Director Matthew Rice. “We are placing an emphasis on advocacy by having several seasoned activists speak about what people can do to make a difference in the lives of animals. Through the rousing presentations, instructive workshops, and camaraderie of this event, we hope to inspire and energize advocates to take action on behalf of farm animals.”

This event has been sold out, but people are welcome to submit their information to be put on a wait list by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221.

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 http://www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.