HADDAM — Halfinger Farms is marking its 30th season with a variety of spring flowers and plants, as well as pick-your-own "Dancing Daffodils."
A series of free special events on weekends throughout April and May will culminate with a farm birthday party May 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
“Thirty years ago, we planted the first seeds of what has grown into a vibrant farm that our family and community cherish,” co-owner Jennifer Halfinger said in a press release.
She and her husband John, both first-generation farmers, are celebrating the "milestone" with another season of "blooms, beauty, and tradition."
"We know it’s spring when we see our first daffodil,” she said.
The farm began with a 1,200-square-foot greenhouse and retail shop on the property where John Halfinger grew up. Over the years, the couple expanded its offerings, and today, the farm features three greenhouses totaling 15,500 square feet, where they produce and sell a huge range of plants including herbs, flowering annuals, perennials, combinations, hanging baskets, and patio planters, the statement said.
In 2017, the Halfingers purchased 12 acres a half-mile down the road for pick-your-own daffodils, and in 2020, they opened Dancing Daffodils, which features more than 25 varieties of daffodils at 70 cents per stem.
The farm party will feature special birthday offers. Guests can explore the greenhouses, tour the restored 1800s Connecticut-style barn, and have complimentary cake and lemonade. Local band The Engine Room will also perform live 90s music.
Living history day will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 12.
"Long before it was Dancing Daffodils, the stately farm across from Candlewood Hill, was the Bonfoey family’s homestead," the news release said. "Here, Bennauel and Constance Bonfoey built their home and raised their 13 children."
During this free event, the Cromwell Historical Society and Dirty Blue Shirts living historians will transport visitors back to the turn of the 19th century.
There will be an old-fashioned greeting cards workshop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18.
Jill Mechachonis, owner of the Grateful Garden Co., will be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 3 to talk about vegetable gardening in the greenhouse with a special focus on what can be planted in early May. Complimentary lemonade will be served.
Halfinger Farms is open seven days a week at 489 Candlewood Hill Road. Call 860-345-4609 or visit halfingerfarms.com for more information.