Spring Comes To Queens County Farm
BY DIANA SANDERS

Nothing is quite like a beautiful sunny day, especially after a long, hard winter that overstayed its welcome. Spring is finally here along with the rainy yet mild month of April whose showers promise to bloom into beautiful May.

Spring has done its share of beautiful things. Throughout Queens, the many gardens, parks and recreation areas can now bask in the fresh air. The Queens County Farm, located in Floral Park, already has a list of planned events throughout April and beyond. On April 15, the farm will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt in the orchard, along with many other exciting events. There will also be a children's carnival with hayrides, prizes and rides the following week.

A farm for more than 300 years, the Queens County Farm is the only historic working farm in all of New York City and has the largest lasting area of undisturbed farmland. The last remnant of the agricultural center that once was Queens, the farm's 47 acres include planting fields, a herb garden, a greenhouse complex and orchard as well as a selection of livestock.

Each year, the county farm adheres to its annual traditions, yet makes changes to its calendar as the situation demands. Besides serving as an ideal place for people to get away from the hectic everyday life of the city, the farm's educational department offers classes to both children and adults. The children's programs offer a variety of activities from quilting to observing the life cycles of honeybees. Quilting classes are also held for adults, as are other activities such as country western line dancing lessons.

Certain areas within the farm are also available for renting. Birthday parties and family gatherings as well as corporate events can be scheduled. The farm offers more than an introduction to the world of nature.

Owned by the city of New York and operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, Inc., the farm is an ideal escape for the people of Queens and the rest of the city. The diverse events, ranging from antique motorcycle shows to egg hunts, offer a glimpse of a different world far away from the everyday and mundane.

For more information about upcoming events or site renting, visit www.queensfarm. org or call 718347-3276. The Queens County Farm is located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway.