Francis Farm will be hosting a Public Clambake and Country Festival

Francis Farm will be hosting a Public Clambake and Country Festival on Sunday September 16 from 11:00-6:00. Each summer, Francis Farm has four public clambakes, from Father’s Day through September. Their first bake took place in 1890. This festival will be the first big event the farm has done in conjunction with the public bake.

This event will bring together families and members of the community of all ages, introducing the tradition of the clambake to younger generations. This event is a great opportunity for older guests to relive and share their childhood memories with the younger members of their family. The farm is handicap accessible, making it easy for all guests to enjoy themselves.

In addition to the traditional New England clambake, food options will also include lobster, a BBQ chicken dinner, and kids’ meals of hamburgers or hot dogs with chips. Tickets for the bake must be reserved in advance and can be purchased up until September 9. Visit the Francis Farm Facebook page or call 508-252-3212 for pricing information and to purchase tickets. The bake itself will run from 12-3. There will also be additional food and beverage available to purchase for festival guests who did not reserve a ticket for the bake.

During the festival, guests can enjoy live music by Neal & The Vipers and Funk N’ Country. Neal and the Vipers is a Rhode Island-based band that performs “American Roots Music.” Their set will include a mix of original songs as well as covers of classic songs and instrumentals. Funk N’ Country is a local band based out of Dighton and Rehoboth. They are a country cover group, peppered in with some funk, rock, and other genres to make for a unique and entertaining mix of songs from classics to today.

There will be many activities for all members of the family to enjoy. There will be a classic car show presented by DJ Car-Guy. If you would like to enter a car into the event, contact Rich at 401-575-6933. Narragansett Beer and Revival Brewing Co. will each have a cornhole tournament with awesome prizes to win.

Guests can also take part in country sign painting classes. There will be instructors ready to assist you in creating your own masterpiece to take home. The festival will provide the supplies, just bring your creativity!

There will pony rides presented by Pony Town Parties featuring a “special Unicorn Guest” for younger guests to enjoy. The pony rides will run from 12-5. There will also be face painting by RI Face and Body Art Co. throughout the day.

A scarecrow costume contest will take place during the festival. Come dressed up in your best scarecrow costume in order to participate! Signups will be at 11:30, with a parade at 12:30. Prizes will be given out to each age group for the best costume. There will also be a “Scarecrow Stroll” where you can make a donation to the Tomorrow Fund in order to try to win a scarecrow. Scarecrows will be donated by local businesses and organizations. If you are interested in donating a scarecrow, send an email to InformationOnEvent@gmail.com.

This event is rain or shine and while many of the festival activities take place outside, there will be plenty to do in the event that it rains. The clambake will be held on a patio and guests will be covered by a roof. There is indoor space to move many of the event pieces inside, indoor museums, and an arcade where guests can stay out of the rain while still enjoying the festival. 

Guests can also shop at the festival’s craft and vendor marketplace. With over 50 local businesses, there will be a variety of items for sale including crafts, artwork, and autumn decorations. The Dighton Lions Club will be having their “Fall Classic Cow Chip Contest.” Guests can purchase a land parcel on the “field of dreams” for $10. At 5:00, the cows will be brought onto the “field of dreams” and the crowd will wait for the first cow to do its business. Wherever the “Cow Chip” falls will determine the winner of the contest. The grids will be numbered and whoever purchased that particular grid will win $500. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the festival or in advance at Araujo Farms & Greenhouses, the Chartley Country Store, Bay State Trading Post, or from a Dighton Lions Club member. Ticketholders do not need to be present to win.

There will be ample parking for those attending the clambake and festival. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to set up so they can sit with their families and enjoy the food and music. No coolers or outside food and beverage are allowed. Bicycles, skateboards, and weapons of any kind are prohibited. While this is a family friendly event, be sure to keep your pets at home, as they are not permitted.

Starting this year, Francis Farm will be open year-round for events. Come to the festival to see what the farm has to offer and to take part in the clambake, a tradition that has been around since the time of Native Americans. This event is a great way to kick off fall, with fun for all members of the family!