Back in the Westport day, most folks raised chickens. They were a great source of eggs (and meat).
Our backyards grew grass, not dirt. Then came swing sets, patios and pools.
Now we’re back to backyard chickens.
More Westporters than you realize keep coops. To honor them — the people and the chickens — Wakeman Town Farm is sponsoring a tour of 15 backyard henhouses.
The fundraiser is set for Saturday, May 5.
This being Westport, the coops are not exactly Tyson Farms. According to WTF, participants can check out “the hautest henhouse, the Cadillac of chicken shacks, and the coop de ville.”
Not your father's -- or your grandfather's -- chicken coop. Hey, this is Westport.
Egg-regious puns aside, the event should be great. Starting at 10 a.m. at the farm (134 Cross Highway), participants pay just $10 for a self-guided tour map. They also get a snack bag and optional scavenger hunt.
The map offers a route for a wide range of tricked-out coops. At most stops, homeowners will be available to talk turkey chicken and show off their birds.
Then, back at WTF, there are ice cream sundaes made with milk from The Farmer’s Cow cows.
Proceeds support WTF educational programming. Perhaps one of those classes will answer the age-old question: “Which came first…”
(Admission to the May 5 event — $10 per person — includes a tour map, snack pack with granola and yogurt from local companies, and a sundae. RSVP to wakemantownfarm@gmail.com, or call 203-557-9195.)
