Marini Farm Expands Fall Party Offerings

Marini Farm has ten different party options to choose from for your fall celebrations. The all ages party fun can include the corn maze, corn maze park, s’mores making, pumpkin painting, flashlight maze excursions, and hayrides.

The farm is busy in season with school tours, family events, church groups, company outings, scout outings and children’s celebrations. Our children’s parties are packed with interactive programs for experiencing agricultural fun.

We also have flexibility, so if you have an idea and it is not on the party chart here, please discuss with our party staff during the reservation process and they will do everything they can to accommodate you. Party start times are 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.  Our flashlight and campfire packages can start at either 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm.

Call our Corn Maze line 978-238-9386 or email marinifarmcornmaze@yahoo.com to reserve a date. A $50 deposit is required to hold your date and time.

In order to receive a refund, cancellations must be made 7 days prior to an event. Deposit will be refunded if party is cancelled due to inclement weather.

written by Lightning Consulting

Conquer Dragon Quest Corn Maze With Flashlights

Grab a flashlight and conquer Dragon Quest, Marini Farm’s 2016 eight acre corn maze, after dark.Ten miles of winding paths and mysteries of the dark will confuse and challenge maze adventurers of all ages. Traveling through the maze at night is a totally different experience, which requires more perseverance and focus to get on track in the right direction. Make it a maze party, family outing or social time with your friends, and don’t forget to bring your high powered flashlights to illuminate your way. Dragon Quest is open for flashlight nights on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, starting on September 23rd and continuing through October 29th.

The 2016 maze is believed to be our most challenging yet, so let the moonlight and your own light source guide you through the ten miles of towering corn stalks. No scary monsters or haunted distractions will divert your attention as you focus on the navigation clues of escape. For more information call us at 978-238-9fun, or visit our website to order tickets. The fast maze visitors will find the carved out exit in less than an hour, while others will enjoy two hours of fired up fun and excitement. With the possibility of taking nearly 100 wrong turns, you may be spinning in many directions in your pursuit to escape the magnificent fire spewing-dragon. So come get your scare on and enjoy this popular fall excursion through one of the largest and most challenging mazes in the region.

Check our fall calendar for special events happening. We will be having our first ever show on October 8th put on by the American Punkin Chunker, a massive 100 foot pneumatic cannon that shoots pumpkins for long distance competitions. All of it is done solely by mechanical means without the aid of electricity or explosives. Marini Farm sent a pumpkin to the World Championships in 2013 in Delaware and their pumpkin broke the event world record with a 4,430 foot blast, exceeding over 120 of the best teams from around the U.S. and overseas. Over 30,000 onlookers witnessed the world record chunk and a large group of chunkers put their engineering skills to the test.

We look forward to seeing everyone putting their navigation skills to the test this fall. Day or night, don’t forget to visit our bakery for some fall treats like our cider donuts, s’mores bars, pumpkin muffins, or other fall confections.

written by Lightning Consulting

Marini Farm's Ice-Cold Lemonade Is Waiting For You

You know it's summertime when you see the neighborhood kids setting up lemonade stands on hot sunny days. This season Marini Farm has started selling ice-cold drinks including coffee, tea and lemonade. We also have special lemonade that is fruit infused with raspberries and other flavorful sweet summer fruits. Lemonade, that quintessential summer drink, has become a popular drink for all seasons, with lemons commonly in the top three best-selling flavors in the citrus beverage industry.

The earliest written evidence of lemonade has been found in Egypt, dated to around 1000 AD. Today there are 50 varieties of lemons, and an average size lemon tree can yield 500 to 600 pounds of lemons per year. More than 90 percent of American lemons come from California, though the United States is typically bested in lemon production by India, Mexico, Argentina, China and Brazil.

There’s even a Guinness Book world record for the longest lemonade stand measuring 1,399 feet by 11 inches, which was built by students and teachers at Birmingham Public Schools in Birmingham, MI.

First coined by writer Elbert Hubbard in a 1915 obituary for actor Marshall P. Wilder, the phrase "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade", has come to encourage optimism and encouragement in the face of adversity.

Cool off on a sticky summer day with a glass of ice-cold lemonade served by the Marini Bakery, and make a note in your calendar for National Lemonade Day on August 20th.  The national organization affiliated with the day helps empower youth to learn how to become entrepreneurs through operating their own Lemonade stand. Since its launch in 2007 in Houston Texas, Lemonade Day has grown from serving 2,700 kids in one city to 1 million children across North America. With the help of partners like Google for Entrepreneurs, Lemonade Day will continue to spark the spirit of entrepreneurship and empower youth to set goals, work hard, and achieve their dreams. The top National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015, Katrina Lawrence from Fort Hood Texas, raised $1,500 to purchase 300 books for homeless children in her community.

The Marini Farm Bakery looks forward to quenching your thirst this summer.

  written by Lightning Consulting

Marini Farm Is Crazy For Cheery Dahlias

The dahlia was named for Anders Dahl (botanist), born on March 17, 1751.

The Dahlia you brought to our isle
Your praises forever shall speak
'Mid gardens as sweet as your smile
And color as bright as your cheek.
–Lord Holland (1773–1840)

Marini Farm’s greenhouses are illuminated with vibrant dahlia flowers every spring. These plants are a great addition to your gardens and enable you to add an artistic display of cheery vibrant hues. They are a work of art with their spiked tips and perfectly shaped multi-pedaled blooms. They add so much to your shopping experience, as each one is different and unique in terms of their colors, shapes and added markings. Some appear to have been dipped in white on the very edges of the pedals, while others are painted with perfectly positioned stripes along the pedals. Each year we add new varieties of shapes and colors, which we hope will be the stars of your gardens. One question you hear often is “Are they real?” They attract you to touch them just to be sure. Their history goes back to the 1500s, and today there are 42 varieties of dahlias in five color palettes.

Some Dahlia facts:

• They bloom from midsummer to the first frost
• Their size ranges from 2 to 10 inches and most varieties grow to 4-5 feet tall
• The ideal planting time is when the ground it at least 60 degrees
• They love full sunlight all day long
• They don’t do well when covered with mulch or bark
• Pest control against slugs and snails protects them from nasty creatures
• Their colors are limited to the warm ranges of red, orange, yellow, pink and white, but new color variations have been created through hybridizing with other flowers
• The dahlia's allure has a far reach: it is San Francisco's official flower, an official emblem of Mexico, and is considered in Japan to be a sign of good taste.
• The dahlia flower first arrived in Europe in the 1500s, following the defeat of the Aztec Indians by Spanish conquistadors.
• Before the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the Aztecs named the dahlia "Acocotli", which means "water cane".
• Dahlia flowers belong to the Asteraceae family, a group that includes sunflowers, asters and daisies. "Asteraceae" means "star", referring to the star shape of the dahlia blossom.
• There are 42 dahlia species
• They are susceptible to bacterial infections such as bacterial wilt and crown gall as well as many fungal diseases including flower blight, leaf spot, southern blight, smut, powdery mildew, stem and tube rot, cottony stem rot, and vascular wilt.
• They are popular flowers for weddings and engagements symbolizing hope for an everlasting union between two people, and are often featured in competitions.

Visit our greenhouses this May to view our array of dahlias and other perennial and annual plantings. Before planting make sure the temperature is warm enough. We are happy to help you pick out dahlias that will work well for your gardens.

 written by Lightning Consulting

A Year of Many Firsts at Marini Farm

Thank you for staying with us all seasons in 2015. It was a year of firsts and many highs for our family farm….

• Successful completion and ahead of schedule on our new bakery, despite the record snowfall, thanks to Windhill Builders
• Opening of our new bakery on June 20th and hiring of our top bakery staff managed by Erin Gardner
• Serving  fresh cider donuts, scones, breads, muffins, cookies and more from opening to season closing
• Another banner year for our maze, “Kernels of Gold”,  and maze park with many new attractions added including our new pirate ship
• Produce calendars were ahead of plans with early tomatoes, corn and strawberries
• Sold out holiday craft and baking classes
• Selection by the World Record Punkin Chunkin Cannon for a show at the farm; rescheduled for 2016 due to weather conditions
• Hosting of the annual Doggy Maze Daze and the Tree Jubilee fundraiser for the benefit of the Ipswich Humane Society and their animal shelter
•  Entertained hundreds at our 25+ family fun Christmas events
• Another sold out year of over 2000 Canadian balsam Christmas trees
• Our social channels continue to rise with 8,800 Facebook followers, and many posts that reached over 10,000 views, 1,271 Twitter followers and 807 Instagram followers.

written by Lightning Consulting

Holiday Fun At Christmas On The Hill

Yuletide splendor is glittered throughout the farm this Christmas season. We invite you to make Marini Farm part of your special holiday memories this year.

Stroll through the gallery of beautifully decorated donated trees and wreaths at the Tree Jubilee.  More than 60 uniquely decorated trees and wreaths will be raffled off for the benefit of the Humane Society. This is one of the Humane Society's biggest fundraisers to help defer the increasing costs of their shelter services. Ipswich Humane Group is a non-profit group that assists Ipswich Animal Control to enable a no-kill animal shelter for the Town of Ipswich.  The group is 100% donation funded and 100% unpaid volunteer run.

For 32 years, the organization has been providing veterinary care, housing in their animal shelter, and has operated a successful adoption program which has placed over 1800 dogs and cats in homes throughout the north shore community. The event has free admission and if you want to participate in the raffle, 100% of the proceeds go directly to our four legged friends.

Our tree shop features a selection of more than 2,000 well-groomed pre-cut trees from Canada to choose from, as well fresh holiday greenery. See our blog “The ABCs of Christmas Tree Shopping” for pointers on selecting the perfect tree. If you want to make certain your tree is secure and won’t topple over, check out the Stand Strait tree system. This video has Mike Marini demonstrating how it works.

Our bakery has your favorite Christmas cookies and pastries. Don’t forget to leave with some gingerbread men, holiday scones and cider donuts.

Take a tour of Christmas on the Hill in this new video. There’s way too much to do!

•  Take a family hayride
•  Warm up with some hot cider or chowder from the Clam Box
•  Cruise through the Tree Jubilee and try your luck in the raffle
•  Take some yuletide photos in front of our giant snowman or in front of one of our festive displays
•  Enjoy fresh baked Christmas goodies and peer in and see the bakers at work
•  Shop for ornaments, gifts and greenery to make your home full of Christmas cheer
•  Have the kids enjoy the Pirate ship and other activities

Our holiday calendar lists all the events happening at the farm this season. The Marini family and staff wish you a merry holiday season and Happy New Year!

Written by Lightning Consulting

Marini Bakery Has Your Favorite Fall Flavors

World Record American PunkinChunkin Cannon in Action at Marini Farm

Pumpkins will be hurling far and high at supersonic speed on October 3rd for the first ever show of the American Punkin Chunker at Marini Farm. The chunker will do a target shooting demonstration and show at the farm located at 259 Linebrook Road in Ipswich, MA. Marini Farm sent a pumpkin to the World Championships in 2013 in Delaware and their pumpkin broke the event world record with a 4,430 foot blast, exceeding over 120 of the best teams from around the U.S. and overseas. Over 30,000 onlookers witnessed the world record chunk and a large group of chunkers put their engineering skills to the test.

In recognition of the world record success, the farm was added to the schedule of six public shows the chunker will be doing this fall. The chunker is a massive 100 foot pneumatic cannon that shoots pumpkins for long distance. The team that runs the cannons represents many areas of technology and scientific disciplines and a team of 25 contribute their technical expertise to making the American team pumpkin chunker a powerful pumpkin shooter capable of breaking records. All of it is done solely by mechanical means without the aid of electricity or explosives. The team’s original goal was to win the world championships, and going forward they will continue to strive to break world records. 

The World Championship PunkinChunkin Association raises funds for the Basset Hound Rescue and the Wounded Warrior Project. The organization has been hosting events since 1986 and was started by Captain Brian Labrie. This fall, the World Famous Punkin Chunkin long distance shooting event, Extreme Punkin’ Chunkin’, will be held in New Hampshire on October 24/25 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH.  Teams from all across the country will participate in hopes of breaking the world record, and the American Punkin Chunkin team will be there to defend their title. Teams compete in divisions such as air cannon, centrifugal, catapult, human power, trebuchet, theatrical and torsion. The Discovery Channel’s video shows the wide range of competitors at the championship events all lined up to catapult their pumpkins into the record books. 

There is a lot going on at the farm in September and October so add a visit to your fall recreation and take on the challenge of the corn maze, Kernel of Gold…A Pirate’s Adventure, enjoy all the action at the maze park with our giant slide, jumping pillow and inflatables, and visit our new bakery for some fresh cider donuts. It’s not every day you get to watch a pumpkin chunking show, so make sure you visit the farm on October 3rd for some supersonic excitement.

Written by Lightning Consulting

 

Marini's New Farm Kitchen Is Ready To Bake Fresh Every Day

The record snowfall this past winter didn’t interfere with our plans to have our new farm bakery ready for its Grand Opening on June 20, 2015. Windhill Builders managed to stay on schedule with the bakery construction project, battling freezing temperatures and day-to-day winter challenges. All the mixers, ovens, and freezers have arrived, and according to the social media activity, our customers are excited to welcome our new fresh baked products. The cider donut making machine photo posted on Facebook received 4488 views, 330 likes and dozens of comments. As Kelley Jane Kloub posted,” I am simply giddy with anticipation of real bread…oh boy, oh boy!”

Our first major decision on the new bakery was finding a Head Baker to keep the shelves packed with fresh baked grab-and-go products for our customer’s breakfast, lunch and dinner tables. Marini’s strong networking helped get the word out that they would be hiring a full-time Head Baker, so Erin Gardner didn’t waste any time to let Mike and Kim Marini know that the job description fit her perfectly. She wanted an entrepreneurial opportunity which would enable her to be creative and artistic with her baking creations. She also wanted to be close to the customers and see them firsthand enjoying all the new products. The open kitchen structure of the bakery enables customers to peer in the windows where all the mixing and mastering is done.

A coffee bar will add some social fun and convenience to the shopping experience. “Our customers have been asking us for fresh baked products for years, so we can’t wait to let Erin loose in the kitchen, and see all the excitement she generates!”, notes Mike Marini.

Erin took the reins with gusto, and she embraces the love of food and the camaraderie that comes with it. She can’t wait to fill the shelves with fresh muffins, cider donuts, scones, breads, cookies and cupcakes. “Cider donuts are a blast to prepare, and seeing them all sugared up with a warm soft glow, will hopefully make them irresistible to everyone who visits the bakery”, states Erin. She wants the full presentation to be pretty and have strong flavors of just baked surprises. Each baked good is an artistic masterpiece, and each day Erin plans to challenge herself with new creations.

Erin obtained her training at Johnson & Wales Baking and Pastry Arts Program, and has worked in the restaurant industry for many years, most recently at the 62 Restaurant located on the wharf in Salem, MA. She quickly learned she “loved the science and art of baking” and was ready for a long-time career in culinary arts. She has her favorites and fresh cider donuts and artistically decorated/colorful donuts are always on the top of her list.

“Sharing what I love to do with other people is simply a dream job”, Erin explains. “The creation process from kneading the dough, to making it pretty and irresistible, never gets old.”

When you meet Erin you want to put on an apron and join her in the kitchen. She is ready to go, and has her favorite recipes she has collected from years of baking, flagged in a thick notebook. As Erin explains, every ingredient and its measurement impact the quality of the products. The biggest challenge of being a pastry chef is that, unlike other types of chefs, you can't throw things together. “When you're working with baking powder and a formula, you have to be exact, or you won’t get the desired results”, Erin comments.

Kim and Mike Marini can’t wait for the fresh bakery aromas to linger through the farm stand, and they are excited to see all the new bakery shelves packed with scrumptious selections. They are happy to be able to enhance the visitor experience, in a unique country atmosphere with wonderful downhome creations from their new farm kitchen.

Erin enjoys yoga and golf and spending time with her husband and family. Please join us in welcoming Erin to the new Marini Farm Bakery, and don’t hesitate to share ideas for products, as we will constantly be adding new items to the menu. Grab a coffee and a fresh baked scone, and join us for breakfast!

Written by Lightning Consulting

It's a Goat's Life at Marini Farm

We recently asked our Facebook followers what they wanted for topics on our winter blogs and some responded they wanted a story on our goats, so we are happy to share our love for goats in our first blog of 2015. First of all, we love our animals and welcome everyone who visits our farm to spend time visiting with our animals. Goats dominate the animal pen at Marini Farm. We currently have seven Nigerian Dwarf goats, two Boer goats, and two Sicilian donkeys named Macy and Arial.

Boer Goats are imported to the United States through South Africa and are raised for meat. They have distinctive coloring with a light neutral tone body and red head. The Nigerian goat is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin and they were originally called Pygmy's. They love to battle each other, but it is all friendly battles.

Last year we doubled the size of our animal pen and in the future we plan to add a better access pathway from the road as well as a new parking lot close to the pen.

Our goats love socializing with the other animals and dart to the gate when visitors arrive. We currently don’t use them for milk production, but as our farm grows this may change.

Did you know goats have rectangle pupils and have excellent night vision? We found there was a lot about goats we didn’t know about as we were gathering information for this blog. There are even goats that faint when they get excited. Did you know goats have four stomachs so they can eat just about anything? Let us know if you know any interesting goat facts not included here. We hope you are as fascinated with them as we are.

Interesting and fun goat facts:
 
Goats are a member of the Bovidae family

They are one of the oldest domesticated species

There are over 300 distinct breeds

Female goats are does or nannies and male goats are bucks or billies. Under one year they are bucklings and female babies are doelings.

Goats are able to breed all year long

They are ruminants, which means they have 4 stomachs and can eat almost any diet. Some even love peanut butter.

Their longer guard hairs are used in the textile industry to make cashmere.

Goats typically live for 8-12 years, but some can live up to 20 years.

Goats can have 1-6 kids per litter

There are over 500 million goats in the world

The U.S. has 3 million goats with Texas leading the production.

It is estimated that 72 % of the world’s milk consumption is from goats

Goat milk is naturally homogenized

Goat meat is called chevon or cabrito

Along with the octopus, goat pupils are rectangular and they have great night vision

They are good swimmers

They love socializing with other goats

Goats are one of the first animals to be domesticated as far as 6000 years ago

Goats have no teeth in the upper jaw

They are very athletic and some goat species can jump over 5 feet

Goats are herbivores (plant eaters)

They have no tear ducts

They are good climbers and have great balance which is why you always see them standing on rocks and steep slopes

Race horses are often given a 'goat friend' so they are not lonely in the stall

Goats have 15,000 taste buds, which is 5000-6,000 more than humans

Goat kids stand minutes after birth

Goat horns never stop growing.

Some say goats even discovered coffee in Ethiopia

Goats have natural oils that help repel ticks

Enjoy this hilarious video of funny goats. We look forward to expanding our animal pen, so let us know what additions you would like to see us add to the pen. They love visitors so please come see them when you stop by the farm.

Written by Lightning Consulting

Marini Farm Hosts Tree Jubilee Benefit For Ipswich Humane Group

The farm is filled with community spirit and joy this Christmas season as the Tree Jubilee lights up the greenhouse. More than 60 businesses and families gather to donate and decorate trees and wreaths for the benefit of the Ipswich Humane Society’s annual fundraiser. Floor to ceiling creativity brings the excitement of the holiday season alive. All the trees were judged on many categories and the public will gather on December 5, 6, 12 and 13th to view the beautiful display and purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win their favorite tree or wreath. It’s a fun free event for the whole family and 100% of the donations go to the Ipswich Humane Group.

Ipswich Humane Group is a non-profit group that assists Ipswich Animal Control to enable a no-kill animal shelter for the Town of Ipswich.  The group is 100% donation funded and 100% unpaid volunteer run.

For 32 years, the organization has been providing veterinary care, housing in their animal shelter, and has operated a successful adoption program which has placed over 1800 dogs and cats in homes throughout the north shore community. 

2014 Tree Jubilee Top Honors! 
 
TREES:
 
Best of Show Tree:
WEEBLOS - Ipswich Cub Scouts Pack 109

Most Creative/Unique Tree:
Gold: Windhill Realty
"There's No Place Like Home"  
Silver: Traveis Eye Care "Frozen"
Bronze: Ipswich Bear Den Pack 109

Honorable Mention:
Mrs. Clasby's 3rd Grade Class
"What the Holidays Mean to Me" 

WREATHS: 

Best of Show Wreath:
Institution for Savings

Most Creative/Unique Wreath:
Gold: Ipswich Bottle Shop
Silver: Bear's Family
Bronze: Gordon Florist & Greenhouses
   
“Seeing the Marini Farm greenhouse illuminated with community love and support truly makes this season special for us,” said Mike Marini. "Contributing to community has always been part of our mission as third-generation farmers.  Let’s get the crowds gathered over the weekend to support our local furry friends!”

Written by Lightning Consulting

The ABCs of Christmas Tree Shopping

Some people rush to get their Christmas tree the day they come off the trucks, while others see no urgency and wait until days before Christmas in hopes the perfect tree is still waiting for them. Getting a group/family consensus is what makes the experience the most fun. “How about this one?” are words you hear down the pathways of trees. Sometimes people circle back to the first tree they saw, while other times it takes dozens of inspections as people stand the trees up and shake them to see how heavy and full they are. The worst is when someone grabs a tree that was on your top contender list, and places a “sold” sign on it. The good news is that there is always another tree, so the quest to find the perfect Christmas tree just continues.

Some helpful hints in buying the perfect Christmas tree…size, fragrance, freshness and symmetry all matter.

• Size it right: Measure the room and entry ways in your home before you bring a tree home. A good rule of thumb is one foot below the ceiling height. You should also measure the opening in the tree stand you plan to use to make sure the trunk of your chosen tree will fit.
• Healthy tree all the way to Christmas: “It’s bad weather out, so let’s get the tree next weekend instead.” A week delay may leave you with fewer options and fewer trees that meet your criteria. Early buyers have a better chance of finding the perfect tree, and have more choices. Always make sure to have a clean cut done as it will last longer in your home and can better absorb water. December 8/9 is a recommended time to purchase your tree and December 15/16 is a good time to bring it inside to decorate.
• Weight is good and tree branch spacing tight: This means the tree is healthy and full of water, and will drop fewer needles.
• Fresh Cut: Find out when the trees were cut. The closer to Christmas the better, but some tree sale spots cut their trees as early as October so by December needles are all piling up.
• Tree branch strength is solid: Nobody wants a droopy tree and one that loses ornaments because the branches can’t hold the weight of your ornaments. If you have heavy ornaments and ones you want securely hanging from the tree, make sure the tree branches are thick and strong.
• Pet unfriendly: To discourage your pet from using your Christmas tree as a bathroom stop, select a tree with sharp needles. If they get too close and get pricked, they won’t want to do it again.
• Full of water: Bend the needles and see how fresh they are.You need to make sure you routinely check the stand and keep the tree hydrated, and never let the water go below the bottom of the trunk.  Another trick is to spray the branches with water so give it more moisture. Some trees require several quarts of water each day, so make sure you check the water level every three hours.
• Evergreen scent: Trees which sweat expel the strongest scents, so if you are looking to fill your home with that great Christmas tree aroma, select the trees which naturally have the best scent. As an example, the Balsam fir tree exists in a cold climate which makes it sweat more and deliver a great scent.
• Straight and in balance: If the tree has a crooked trunk it will be tougher to get it securely positioned in a stand. Hold the tree up and examine it from the trunk to the top so see if it is well aligned. Nobody wants a tree that topples over when you are not home. If you have to tie it down, once it is in the house for fear it will topple, you have definitely bought a crooked nightmare of a tree. Also, make sure the tree trunk is at least six inches long so it fits securely in the stand.
• Tree type: Balsam and Fraser trees are the most popular based on overall quality and shape, with Balsam known for their fragrance and Fraser known for their strong branches and minimal needle drop.

Marini Farms has a solution to simplifying the tree set up process. The Stand Strait Christmas Tree Stand--also known as The Marriage Saver--is available for sale with free tree drilling for owners of the stand. Considered the best Christmas tree stand available, it enables your tree to stand tall, straight and stable to prevent it from toppling over, and requires only one drill hole in the base of your tree. All you need to do is line up the drilled hole on the stand pin and it is as stable as a rock. See Mike’s demonstration video on how easy the Stand Strait System is.

As Marini states, “Our hands-on selection process is the reason the quality of our trees is second to none, and we want our customers to feel like they have found that special perfect tree.” 

From all of us at Marini Farm, we wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and hope you find the perfect tree.

Written by Lightning Consulting

Trick Or Treat Hayrides With Frozen Friends

Marini Farm’s most popular hayride adventure is the special character journey which on October 25, 2014 will feature the characters in the Frozen movie. This classic fall activity will take you on a tractor-drawn hayride along the farm’s scenic 200+ acres through the corn fields, pumpkin patches and animal park area. Experience a lazy roll through the rural landscape with the vibrant beauty of the leaves changing and the crisp fall air. Trick or Treaters will have the opportunity to take a scenic hayride around the farm while stopping along the way to pick up and receive treats from a few of their favorite storybook friends, including Elsa.The rides are running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.

Hayride tickets

Hayrides are popular for obvious reasons…

• You can enjoy a great bonding experience with family and friends
• You get to explore the farm up close and personal
• You get to learn the about the history of the farm
• You can enjoy the spirit of fall and Halloween
• You can embrace nature and the beauty of family farming
• You can relax and breath in the fresh farm air
• You can capture some great memories!

Dress up and come to the farm for some trick or treating fun and surprises.

Written by Lightning Consulting

Marini Farm's Corn Maze Is All About Raising Bullying Awareness

 “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”-Judy Garland

Spookley, the square pumpkin, is bigger than life and is at the center of the 2014 Marini Farm Corn Maze. Marini Farm is focused on anti-bullying awareness and this year’s maze will publicize the importance of taking the right steps forward in stopping bullying.

The book The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, by Joe Troiano, is the story about a very special unusually shaped pumpkin who teaches children that you can't judge a book, or a pumpkin, by its cover, and how being different or square is okay.  Spookley invites you to “Dare to Be Square” and embrace the beauty of being different! The book shows how sometimes it is better to be square. Spookley saved the day and all the other pumpkins from tumbling into the river during a mighty storm by wedging between the hole in the fence and stopping all the pumpkins from tumbling into the fast moving river.

School bullying statistics in the United States show that about one in four kids in the U.S. are bullied on a regular basis. Between cyberbullying and bullying at school, the school bullying statistics illustrate a huge problem with bullying and the American school system. About 80 percent of all high school students have encountered being bullied in some fashion online, and this has attributed to a rise in youth violence and suicides. Last month a 14-year-old teen from Florida took his own life to escape the pain from bullying. "Shaq was emotionally and physically abused while at school," Lamar's mother said. "They pushed him down stairs, knocked him out of his chair in the cafeteria … repeatedly attacked him with an intent to emotionally harm. Despite constant attacks, he never let the bullies see him sweat," Lamar's mother said. "We now know that he was unable to continue his fight against the bullies. They won, because he took his life as a result." When you google teen and children suicides believed to be caused by bullying, it is difficult to read the stories. These are beautiful innocent children who feel there is no way of escaping the horror of bullying.

Please join us in raising bullying awareness, and come to the farm matching Spookley and dress in orange in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month. Special prizes will be awarded to the brightest orange maze visitors. We will be providing a donation to Stomp Out Bullying and welcome your contributions. Please leave your donation (cash and checks accepted) in an envelope marked “Stomp Out Bullying” at the maze hut.

The statistics continue to climb and the most alarming one is that 77 percent of students have experienced bullying at some point in their lives.

Bullying statistics:

• About 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online with one in four being verbally attacked more than once.
• About 35 percent of kids have been threatened online.
• About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them online.
• Other bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another.

We encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the serious impact bullying has on innocent children of all ages. Our maze is a bully free zone!

Written by Lightning Consulting

Kernels of Support

“We stand behind everything we sell and do. However, without a name I cannot help. We grow 120 acres of corn and work very hard to pick fresh seven days a week. We have done this for 50 years and this has not changed.”—Mike Marini

This post was in response to an unsigned comment left at the corn bin early in the season.  Mike’s response above was posted on Facebook along with the photo of the comment, and it received 7,664 views, 91 likes and 145 comments moments after the posting of the photo.

Corn is Marini Farm’s top selling crop for both retail and wholesale sales, so the farm is committed to providing the best and sweetest corn available in the region. Their 200 acres of corn provide over 10 tons of corn and over ten different varieties, including the two newest varieties; Marai and Allure. Marai corn is a new hybrid breed of corn known for its intense sweetness, tender kernels and superb eating quality. Marini incorporates special techniques by growing 20 acres under plastic to make sure they are can offer the first local corn in eastern MA.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture report, there will be an abundance of corn this fall as the nation’s farmers are expected to harvest a record 14.03 billion bushels of corn this year.

Below are some of the special comments posted on our Facebook page in response to the customer comment.

“My family started doing business with the Marini family close to 50 years ago. I consider Mario like a second father. When my father passed away my first summer running our farm, Mario was there to take me under his wing and help me anyway he could. When Michael took over running the farmstand he took an already well-established business and made it into one of the best in the state. They are one of the most hardworking, honest, caring and giving families you'll find in Essex County. I am proud and honored to be in business with them and look forward to another 50 years”. — Robert Marshall

“My family had a farm stand as well. I drive out of my way to get Marini produce. Superior to every other place I have shopped”.—Matt Desmond

“I have been buying produce both wholesale and retail from the Marini’s for thirty years....never once had an issue....this family business is operated with the highest level of integrity possible. If Michael says it's fresh, it is! If this person had a problem then have some courage and go make your complaint face-to- face!”—Marilyn Donati

“Bought your corn yesterday and brought it to a house party. The biggest hit ever! People are crazy”.—Kim Folan

Marini’s is top of the line. This family has given so much to our community. The person who left this message doesn't have the guts to sign their name. Therefore, the message is meaningless. I'm sure the corn looked perfect when they purchased it. Wonder how long it was left in their hot trunk?”—Cheryl Becker

“I just want to add my two cents to this awful note left for Mike. My husband goes to Marini Farm every day for fresh produce to supply our farmstand. He is there when the trucks come in from the fields every morning. We have NEVER had anything but the freshest produce. His corn is by far the best around and picked fresh every day. The Marini Family are the hardest working people and the nicest around.They go above and beyond. Wherever this corn came from, it was not Marini Farm unless they kept it there for a week or more. Thank you Mike Marini and Mario for all that you do.”—Marilyn Sweet, LattofFarm, Rockport

“I live two streets away from another local farm, and I still drive 25 minutes just to get Marini Farm produce because it is THAT fresh and delicious! That one customer may have a gripe but customers like myself who don't even live in Ipswich and everyone else who have posted supportive comments on here love your farm and the awesome selection!” —Melissa Newbury

“I eat Marini's corn just about every night of the week all summer long, and the corn is delicious. I just had my corn tonight, the third night in a row from corn I got on Saturday, and it is still yummy! Marini's has perfected the art of growing corn for the whole entire growing season. They are the only place I get my corn, and I look forward to it every year. It wouldn't be summer without Marini's corn and vegetables.”—Michele Huot Elliot

“We will make it a priority to respond to all comments, questions and posts we receive, as it is your feedback that matters the most.Thank you all for your overwhelming and kind comments on our Facebook page, and your commitment and loyalty to our farm.”—Mike Marini

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

Marini Is A Party Farm!

Marini Farm offers parties that focus on farm exploration, seasonal activities, and fun farm attractions. The farm is busy in season with school tours, family events, church groups, company outings, scout outings and children’s celebrations. Our children’s parties are packed with interactive programs for experiencing agricultural fun. All parties include a farm tour, animal visits, and special farm explorations. If you want to have a special theme party, you can work those details out with our party professional. Summer parties include hayride, bouncing pillow, jump slide, play structures and visit at the animal park.

Party details follow:

•  Two hours long (includes one hour in the party room)
•  A party professional for full duration of party (setup and cleanup included)
•  Guest minimum is 10
•  Birthday child receives free admission
•  Adult chaperones must be present
•  7 days in advance booking requirement
•  $50 non-refundable deposit

Some of the special seasonal parties include:

•  Strawberry parties
•  Corn maze parties
•  Animal friends parties
•  Farm education/”Be a farmer” party
•  Hayride parties
•  Pumpkin carving parties
•  Pumpkin painting parties
•  Customized theme parties (customer organizes the theme planning)

At the “Be a Farmer” parties the children will follow a typical day on the farm and will experience what is involved in growing, picking and maintaining the crops.

Pricing (birthday child is free):

Corn Maze party: $200 for up to ten children
Mini Maze Party: $200 for up to ten children
Pumpkin Carving Party: $100 for up to ten children
Hayride Party: $100 for up to ten children
Animal friends: $100 for up to ten children
Pumpkin Painting Party: $100 for up to ten children
Be a Farmer Party/Show & Tell: $100 for up to ten children

The farm has many fun recreational activities available and in the fall the corn maze park (duck races, rope maze, giant jumping pillow, corn house, mini maze, farm animal pen, and more) is available for party use.

At the “Animal Friends Party” the children get to learn about the farm animals, and then are provided an opportunity to pet and feed the animals.

You also may create your own special theme party. Last year the farm was a chosen spot for a marriage proposal and family engagement celebration. “I would spend time all my time educating the public about the importance of the family farm, if time allowed”, states Mike Marini.

It is a simple process to book your party on the registration form on our website. Remember parties are not just for kids!


Prepared by Lightning Consulting

It's Refreshing at Marini Farm

For over 75 years the Marini family has been focused on providing quality freshness and nutrition to our customers. Picked fresh 7 days a week, our variety of produce has expanded to over 25 fruits and vegetables. As Mike Marini is proud to state, “We stand behind everything we sell and do, and this has been our focus since the farm started in 1928. We want everyone to have a refreshing experience at Marini Farm, and think of us as your backyard farmer.” Mike wants the fresh country life to be available to everyone and wants them to experience fresh produce spread across their tables each and every day.

Our new “Fresh” campaign will focus on expanding our exposure to our neighboring towns. Postcards will be mailed out to residences in Topsfield and Boxford and other surrounding towns, introducing them to our “Fresh” campaign and commitment to provide top quality fresh produce.

Recent customer posts on our Facebook page:

“I live two streets away from another local farm and I still drive 25 minutes just to get Marini Farm produce because it is that fresh and delicious!”-Melissa Newbury

“I have been buying produce both wholesale and retail from the Marini’s for thirty years and never once had an issue. This family business is operated with the highest level of integrity possible. If Michael says it's fresh, it is!”-Marilyn Donati

“Just finished our first corn of the season. It was delicious.We have never gotten anything but the best from Marinis since we moved here eight years ago.”-Earl Parker

There’s several months of fresh produce coming your way so we look forward to seeing you this summer and fall.

Marini Farm Produce Availability Calendar

Marini Farm grows over 200 acres of fruits and vegetables which are available from May through October. To help you in planning your produce shopping visits to the farm, we have created a seasonal produce calendar. Please be aware that the calendar may vary slightly as growing dates may vary each season depending on the impact of Mother Nature. This season, as an example, our strawberry picking calendar was moved further into June based on the cold spring we experienced. To ensure that the produce you want will be available, don’t hesitate to call ahead to confirm availability. The vegetables are picked daily in the early morning to ensure quality and freshness. 

Marini is always prepared for dramatic changes in weather and incorporates special techniques and utilizes protective coverings to protect the crops from harsh conditions.

“I always need to be ready with a backup plan and can’t fight Mother Nature. It is these challenges that make farming so exciting as no two days and no two circumstances are ever the same”, claims Mike Marini. 

We are picking nine vegetables in June and 22 in July, so please keep our produce calendar nearby so you don’t miss out on your favorite vegetables.

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

Spookley Will Bring A World Of Smiles To The Marini Farm Corn Maze

The 2014 Marini Farm Corn Maze plans are in place and there is a lot of positive energy around this year’s theme. Spookley the Square Pumpkin has had a presence at the corn maze in the last few years. A large inflatable Spookley has greeted maze visitors as they entered the maze park, and this year Spookley will have the largest presence and will get the most attention ever as the 8 acre corn maze design. In 2013, Marini organized an anti-bullying concert event to focus attention on bullying prevention and awareness, and this focus will continue in 2014 with the daily awareness and reinforcement on the importance of accepting everyone, whether they are square or round.

The book The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, by Joe Troiano, is the story about a very special little pumpkin who teaches children that you can't judge a book, or a pumpkin, by its cover, and how being different is okay and how we shouldn’t tease others. Spookley invites you to “Dare to Be Square” and embrace the beauty of being different! The book shows how sometimes it is better to be square. Spookley saved the day and all the other pumpkins from tumbling into the river during a mighty storm by wedging between the hole in the fence and stopping all the pumpkins from the scary fast moving river.
 
Marini wants everyone who visits the maze to feel Spookley’s presence and join in and smile along with him as people help each other navigate through the maze and participate in all the activities at the maze park. At the end of the book, it shows the farmer carrying Spookley to his house and placing Spookley on the porch, lit up with a candle for all to see. Spookley went from the bullied victim to the hero in a matter of seconds, and he never hesitated to come to the rescue and save all those who tormented him because he was square. Being different can make a difference and save lives!

The key messages the book presents are:
 
• Being different is OK

• How differences can become strengths when you least expect it

• How if everyone helps each other, lives can be saved and things will be better

• You can’t judge a book by its cover

• Treating others unfairly can hurt you in the end

• Not everyone is perfect, and not all pumpkins are round

• Friends can help you when you need them most

• It’s not right to hurt others feelings

• There are friends out there for everyone

• If you make others sad, you will experience many sad days yourself

• It is not acceptable to exclude people from the group

• Everyone is special regardless of how they look

• We can all unite against bullying and help one another when it matters most

• Being a bully is not OK!

The book is available on DVD, paperback and as an app for the iPad/iPhone, Android, and Nook platforms.

For several years Spookley has been the official spokes-pumpkin for National Bullying Prevention Month, sponsored by the Minneapolis-based family support organization PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Education (ED), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) partnered with bullying experts to develop a uniform definition of bullying for research and surveillance.

In January 2014, CDC and ED released the definition listed below:

Bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths who are not siblings or current dating partners that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm.
 
The statistics as stated on bullyingstatistics.org continue to rise and present alarming data.

Bullying statistics:
 
• About 42 percent of kids have been bullied online

• About 35 percent of kids have been threatened online

• About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them online

• Other bullying statistics show that about 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another

• The American Justice Department bullying statistics show that one out of every 4 kids will be bullied sometime throughout their adolescence

• Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs

The title of the 2014 corn maze is “Spookley brings a world of smiles.” “We expect Spookley to be a hit at Marini Farm and loved by all”, says Mike Marini. We want maze visitors to leave with smiles on their faces and remember one strong message, “It’s hip to be square.”  

Prepared by Lightning Consulting

The Fascination with Strawberries

Strawberries are unlike other fruits and are the “jewel” crop at Marini Farm.  Learn some interesting facts about the popular fruit that is the highlight of many festivals across the country in early summer, and is a household favorite due to its luscious sweetness and health benefits.

• California supplies 80% of America’s strawberries and has over 25,000 acres of strawberry fields

• There are over 600 varieties of strawberries grown in the U.S.

• The garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s

• The world grows more than 2.5 million metric tons of supermarket strawberries every year

• Strawberries are known as the “inside-out” fruit because the seeds are on the outside

• Strawberries have up to 200 seeds

• Strawberries are a member of the rose family

• Once the strawberries are picked, they do not continue to ripen

• Eight strawberries will provide 140% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for kids

• Strawberries have the highest antioxidant values, which can help prevent cataracts and eye degeneration

• Ninety-four percent of United States households consume strawberries

• It is a widely held view that the name “strawberry” was derived from 'the berries that are "strewn" about on the plants', and the name "strewn berry" eventually morphed into "Strawberry".

• Strawberries are hand-picked as they are fragile and bruise easily

• Strawberry shortcake is one of the most common strawberry desserts in America and dates back to the American Indians

• Chocolate covered strawberries have become one of the nation’s most popular desserts

• Strawberries are full of a special substance called ellagic acid, which can help fight cancer

• Nutritional experts refer to strawberries as a nutritional “superfood,” as a result of them being excellent sources of antioxidants, Vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber

• The ellagic acid and flavonoids in strawberries distribute an antioxidant effect that benefits heart health

• Strawberries come in at number 27 among the top 50 general foods containing antioxidants, and they rank fourth among fruits containing antioxidants
.
Marini's plants seven varieties of strawberries in an area of 10 acres, with Jewel as the favorite variety. Known for having their first native berries on the North Shore, they make sure they start planting early and cover part of the fields with a double row cover known as white clothers. The early harvest starts early June and ends around July 4th, but can vary depending on the weather. Marini's has had a robust harvest from their strawberry fields for about three years, so they've added new fields each year to keep their supply plentiful. There are also day-neutral strawberries, which are planted in the spring and harvested in late August until frost. The day-neutral berries are a great summer berry, but tend to be tougher and less sweet than the early season berries. Weather has a dramatic impact on the flavor of strawberries as the sun is vital in bringing out the full sugars, and on sunny days they can be “as sweet as candy”, explains Mike Marini. They remove the flowers on the day-neutral berries which brings the energy back into the plant, creating bigger and better strawberries later. The berries are very perishable, so they are picked by hand seven days a week. They can be refrigerated to help them last longer, but that will have an effect on their flavor and on their “native berry shine”.

Get ready to start picking! Marini celebrates the strawberry season with their annual Strawberry Festival, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, that takes place on June 21, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a full day of family fun and memories! There are activities all day long; hayrides, bounce houses, jumping pillow, duck races, farm animals, corn cannons, face painting, antique tractors, play area with tractor, spider, castle, picnic area, food and refreshments. The star of the springtime will soon be ready for your picking pleasure, so plan for making your special seasonal desserts, and stop by and pick-your-own berries. These sweet shiny jewels will make your day complete.

Written by Lightning Consulting