Event
Event
On July 1st, over 150 people gathered at Farm Sanctuary’s New York location to celebrate the rights of all beings to live freely and peacefully.
This year was the first time we hosted our Pignic since 2019. The event featured the opportunity to spend time with the animal residents, live music, delicious food, and several family-friendly activities. Our goal is to provide educational opportunities while having a good time!
The day began with open sanctuary time with the animals where visitors met some of our animal residents up-close and got to know their unique personalities.
A young guest enjoys the company of one of our goat residents.
While out with the animal residents, guests had the option to participate in our scavenger hunt, which encouraged them to look for signs of animals being well cared for. At Farm Sanctuary, the animals’ needs are put first and their care is a top priority. Not only are their basic needs met, but they are provided with enriching environments that stimulate their mental and social well being. We believe that animals deserve to not only survive, but thrive.
After spending some time getting licked by cows, nudged (for more attention) by sheep, and rubbing the pigs’ bellies, guests returned to the main area for an amazing lunch catered by Grandma’s Kitchen and live folk music from the local band, Silver Linings.
A member of Silver Linings plays for the crowd.
Grandma’s Kitchen provided our guests with a delicious, vegan lunch.
Families could also visit the Kids Korner for more fun activities including:
Face Painting:
Children could be transformed into an animal of their choosing, including the honored animal of the day, pigs!
A young guest gets her face painted.
Origami:
For some crafting fun, children were shown how to create an origami pig which they could take home with them.
A young guest visits the Origami table.
Trivia:
Everyone had the chance to show off their knowledge of pigs for a chance to win a plush pig in our Pig Trivia.
Storytime:
Children gathered for a reading of the story “Sanctuary: A Home for Rescued Farm Animals” by Julia Denos. This short book highlights the importance of rescuing individuals and how sanctuaries provide a safe environment for all.
Ardyn Cieslak, Humane Education Manager at Farm Sanctuary, reads to young guests.
At Farm Sanctuary, we recognize that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and aim to provide engaging, educational experiences to help nurture the natural compassion for animals that children already possess. Our onsite events provide the opportunity for people of all ages to connect to rescued farmed animals in a way that makes meaningful change.
For our pig residents, the day came to a close with an exciting treat — a watermelon party! Our rescued pigs were overjoyed to participate and spectators were able to witness their joy as they excitedly chomped away.
And for our guests, we rounded out our lovely event with a book signing by our President and Co-founder, Gene Baur. Guests of all ages excitedly lined up to meet Gene, snap some photos, and get their new books signed.
Gene Baur signs books for our guests.
The following day, some guests also attended our second part of the weekend, a hike for farmed animals. Farm Sanctuary team members lead a beginner’s hike and an intermediate/advanced hike. Hikers then enjoyed coffee and bars from our friends at GoMacro.
Guests enjoy our guided hike.
We welcome you to join us for our future events where we celebrate sanctuary, freedom, and compassion for all beings. Join our email list to be notified about upcoming events!
