Current Press Releases

Celebrate an Independence Day for Farm Animals at Farm Sanctuary’s Fourth of July Pignics

Farm Sanctuary Welcomes Visitors of All Ages for Free Tours, Food and Fun on Independence Day

Watkins Glen, N.Y. – June 30, 2009 – This Independence Day, Farm Sanctuary, which operates the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America, will welcome visitors to its 175-acre shelter in Watkins Glen, New York and for its annual Fourth of July Pignic — a fun-filled day featuring free sanctuary tours, family-friendly activities and delicious veggie food.

At the Pignic, guests will enjoy sampling mouth-watering vegan treats, participating in kid’s crafts, watching playful animals chow-down on yummy treats, and settling in for a special animal-themed children’s story time, featuring such books as Benji Bean Sprout Doesn't Eat Meat!, all in celebration of farm animal freedom. Free sanctuary tours will also be given every hour, on the hour, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. during which visitors can interact with farm animals and experience first hand the zest for life these intelligent, curious and sensitive beings possess once they are rescued from situations of abuse, cruelty and neglect.  

“This event captures the true spirit of Independence Day,” explains Farm Sanctuary Education Director Michelle Waffner. “Animals on factory farms spend their entire lives in darkness, confined in crates or cages so small they cannot comfortably lie down, turn around or even extend their limbs. While we celebrate our freedoms as citizens of this great country our Pignics are a great way for visitors to witness the freedom enjoyed by our rescued animal ambassadors.”

The Fourth of July Pignic will be held Saturday, July 4 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3100 Aikens Rd., Watkins Glen, N.Y.

And for the city slickers who can’t make it up to the shelter, Farm Sanctuary will be hosting a special potluck picnic with one-time rescued pig sponsorship adoptions in New York City’s Central Park on Sunday, July 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. near the Loeb Boathouse.

Both all-ages events are free and open to the public. More information and directions can be found by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221 or visiting farmsanctuary.org.

Orland, Calif. – June 30, 2009 – This Independence Day, Farm Sanctuary, which operates the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America, will welcome visitors to its 300-acre shelter in Orland, California for its annual Fourth of July Pignic — a fun-filled day featuring free sanctuary tours, family-friendly activities and delicious veggie food.  

At the Pignic, guests of all ages can show off their artistic ability while painting farm animal murals, watch playful animals chow-down on yummy treats, and enjoy other wholesome entertainment — all in celebration of farm animal freedom. Free sanctuary tours will also be given every hour, on the hour, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. during which visitors can interact with farm animals and experience first hand the zest for life these intelligent, curious and sensitive beings possess once they are rescued from situations of abuse, cruelty and neglect.  

“This event captures the true spirit of Independence Day,” explains Farm Sanctuary Education Director Michelle Waffner. “Animals on factory farms spend their entire lives in darkness, confined in crates or cages so small they cannot comfortably lie down, turn around or even extend their limbs. While we celebrate our freedoms as citizens of this great country our Pignics are a great way for visitors to witness the freedom enjoyed by our rescued animal ambassadors.”

The Fourth of July Pignic will be held Saturday, July 4 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at 19080 Newville Rd., Orland, Calif.

This all-ages event is free and open to the public. More information and directions can be found by calling 607-583-2225 ext. 221 or visiting farmsanctuary.org. 

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 farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.