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