2024 Topsfield Fair Top Take-Aways

Our Accessible Trail Display at Topsfield Fair Flower Building
Our Accessible Trail Display at Topsfield Fair Flower Building
Thanks to Everyone who sponsored, built, visited, and volunteered to make our second year at the Topsfield Fair Flower Building a success!

Repeated themes & features:

  • Garden Accessibility for All-Abilities and Ages
  • Koi Fish, Ponds & Fountains
  • Bench & Table with Chairs Sitting Areas

Changes from our 1st year:

  • Plants were sourced by Rest-Stop-Ranch, not Topsfield Garden Club
  • Rest-Stop-Ranch volunteers were available for Q+A many hours at the exhibit
  • Elevated wooden bridge enabled view of whole Flower Building

New this year:

  • Unexpected financial support from our community! A basketball shoot-a-thon and an art sale raised much needed funds for the exhibit!
  • Plant labels were added to all trees and shrubs
  • Nursery specimen shrubs were featured: ‘Double White Rose of Sharon’

SPONSORS

Basketball Shoot-a-Thon group raised over $1,000.
Basketball Shoot-a-Thon group raised over $1,000.
$1,000.00
Thanks to Trey Redmond and his basketball friends for creating fundraising basketball shoot-a-thon! These funds helped purchase the plantings and the baby koi fish.

$735.00

Plein Air Art Group raised $735. with Art Sale.
Plein Air Art Group raised $735. with Art Sale.
Thanks to Slow River Studio (Topsfield), who assisted with the cost of the accessible trail building materials (pavers and lumber)!
Mary E MacDonald receives donation envelope from Jessica Yurwitz, Owner,
Slow River Studio
Mary E MacDonald receives donation envelope from Jessica Yurwitz, Owner,
Slow River Studio

BUILDERS
Karl spent 3-4 weeks planning, designing, and building out the display evenings and weekends. Tons of heavy materials were moved from our Topsfield home to the Fairgrounds for this display (pavers, lumber, bricks, and plants). Mary created the plant ID tags for the trees and shrubs as a nod to our current project: creating an Accessible Arboretum at Rest-Stop-Ranch!

VISITORS
Even more foot traffic, family photos, and children than last year. We enjoyed watching the kids play near the water.

VOLUNTEERS
Flower Barn Volunteers
Thanks for your encouragement and support. Thanks for keeping a nice and neat Flower Building.

Rest-Stop-Ranch Volunteers
A huge thanks to the RSR volunteers helping to spread the word and tend our garden display over 11 days. We couldn’t do it without you!

With Gratitude,

The Rest-Stop-Ranch Team ~ Building access for all, with fragrant flowers and fruits within reach.

Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar, is now planted at the Caretaker’s Cottage along the Accessible trail.

Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar
Gyokuryu Japanese Cedar

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