Old Baker Farm is a charming oasis full of tradition. As if the beauty of the farm were not enough, its rich history makes it even more enchanting. Farm owner Jerry Baker said that his father was born in the 200-year-old farmhouse. According to Baker, “When people asked [my father] where he lived, he said, ‘Best place on earth.’”
The farm is not simply an oasis for the Baker family, though. They have opened the grounds to visitors to share the storied grounds they call home by hosting festival weekends and providing a place for school groups to take field trips.
Their biggest event is the annual Cotton Pickin’ Celebration that will take place Oct. 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. The festival highlights the history of the farm, featuring a Civil War reenactment, Creek Indians, a bluegrass band, arts and crafts and much more.
Jerry Baker pointed across the field to a giant crate full of fresh picked cotton, “That’s our bouncy thing. We don’t have inflatables,” he said with a laugh. As he spoke about his 220-acre farm, his face lit up, exuding a genuine enthusiasm and passion for the farm. “It’s pretty festive,” Baker said, “but it’s still an old farm atmosphere.”
To attend the Cotton Pickin’ Celebration, guests will pay a $10 admission fee that includes a hay ride to the pumpkin patch where they can select one pumpkin to take home to commemorate the day. Guests can also purchase freshly cooked Barbecue while enjoying the events and attractions being offered.
“Sometimes there may not be but one or two people that come through here [on weekdays] when we first start,” said Baker. By the end of the season, though, Baker said that at least 20,000 people will have come to the farm.
As the demand for small farms has shifted over the past couple of decades, the Bakers began growing pumpkins as well as Christmas trees to continue the farm’s legacy of success. Each year, they feature a “Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm” where guests can visit the grounds, take a hayride through the countless rows of Christmas trees and choose one to take home. Old Baker Farm completes the holiday experience by offering free hot apple cider and candy canes to snack on while picking out the perfect tree.
By offering a plethora of activities, Old Baker Farm has become a unique place for families to spend the afternoon, especially during the holiday season.
For driving directions and other information about Old Baker Farm, visit www.oldbakerfarm.com. The farm is open to the public on weekdays from 3 p.m. until dark, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until dark and on Sundays from 1 p.m. until dark. The annual Cotton Pickin’ Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26. The farm’s address is 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville, AL 35078.