2019 Corn Maze

Each fall, we create a new maze design in support of a charitable organization that makes a difference in our community. This year’s theme is “A Season of Support: PBA 369.” Donaldson Farms is proud to announce that our 2019 Fall Corn Maze is dedicated to the Hackettstown-Mansfield P.B.A. (Police Benevolent Association) Local 369Their mission is to provide volunteer service and support to those in need in the local communities of The Town of Hackettstown, Mansfield Township, and throughout the State of New Jersey. Their organization is a non-profit made up of the union members of The Hackettstown and Mansfield Township Police Departments in the Northeast Region of Warren County, NJ. We will be donating $1 from every corn maze entry this season in support of their annual Shop with a Cop holiday program! Join us this fall in support of the Hackettstown – Mansfield P.B.A, Local 369 as they continue the valued traditions of police-community relationships!

Sunflower Tours have ended! Thanks for a great season.

Our 2019 season has come to an end. We’re looking forward to 2020!

Donaldson Farms is pleased to offer fun and picturesque tours of acres of Black-Oil Sunflowers that are planted throughout our farm during the summer and fall! The black oil seeds of the sunflower have very thin shells, easy for virtually all seed-eating birds to crack open, and the kernels within have a high fat content, extremely valuable for birds, especially as food during migration and winter. They also attract more of a variety of bird species than use of other seeds. Come enjoy the bloom of acres and acres of sunflowers in and around our farm!

Our educational and fun tours include:

  • Hayride with optimum photo locations – at just the right time of day – to capture these gorgeous, happy flowers at their best!
  • Ample time to enjoy and photograph the sunflowers
  • Farm-fresh fruit & water provided during tour
  • Pollinator Safari Hunt for kids. How many pollinating insects can you find?
  • Sunflowers are available for purchase: $3.00 each.

How to Cook Spinach

The secret to how to cook fresh spinach properly is to not overcook it.

HOW TO SAUTE SPINACH – SIMPLE RECIPE

  1. Saute spinach uncovered – to really get best spinach results, you cook it just enough to wilt – don’t overcook.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic when the oil is hot, and saute the garlic for about a minute to release the flavor, stir constantly to keep garlic from burning.
  3. Add spinach, a handful at a time, and adding another handful as the spinach wilts, cook uncovered, on medium-high heat for about 1 minute, uncovered, constantly stirring.
  4. Remove the spinach from heat and cover – let sit for 2-3 minutes. Uncover and mix. Squeeze just a touch of fresh lemon juice (about 1/4 lemon). Do not use bottled lemon juice as it is too acidic.

Taste the spinach, and add a pinch of salt, if needed, and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Top with fresh lemon zest.

Spring & Summer at Donaldson Farms

The market is now open! Stop by to shop our wide variety of NJ-fresh produce and many items you can’t find anywhere else in the area! Fresh produce, local milk and cheese, sauces, salsa, jams, jellies, pot pies, premium meats, pies, baked goods, gift baskets, John Deere toys, and more. [learn more]

Also, don’t miss our other upcoming spring and summer events including the Strawberry Harvest Weekends, strawberry picking, educational school tours, private group tours, and more.

Apples!

Update August 25, 2019 – Our apple season is just beginning. We are not offering Pick Your Own Apples quite yet. Our market is stocked with the early Zestar variety and they are delicious. Check back for updates!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! We’re stocked with more than a dozen of our own apple varieties including Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Cameo and more. Visit our Farm Market today!

2018 Corn Maze

This year’s theme corn maze theme is “Brighten Someone’s Day!” Donaldson Farms is pleased to share that $1 from every entry into our corn maze this season will be donated to Tomorrows Children’s Fund! Our family and staff have selected this caring and encouraging organization as the inspiration of this year’s theme in honor and support of so many friends and local families that have had their children hospitalized, in treatment and battling many illnesses.

We are so excited to announce that Anya L. of Chester, NJ is our 2018 Corn Maze Design Contest winner! This Fall season her inspiring artwork will be incorporated into our nine acre corn maze which will spotlight the importance of ‘Tomorrows Children’s Fund’ (TCF).

It was very difficult for our farm family to select the winning entry – we received so many creative and uplifting drawings! Anya’s design and story very much represented the theme of ‘Brightens Someone’s Day!’ The description that accompanied Anya’s entry read “This is Anya with a sunflower behind her (just like the ones she saw in your field last summer). She is holding the word hope and there is a butterfly. The butterfly was the theme we used during her transplant to symbolize the metamorphosis Anya’s body was undergoing. The H in hope connects to the hand for an early exit.”

Learn more >

Corn Maze Design Contest

Every season our guests ask “What is your corn maze design going to be this year?” This season, our theme is “Brighten Someone’s Day” and YOU could be the one to design it!

Donaldson Farms is pleased to share that $1 from every entry into our corn maze this season will be donated to Tomorrows Children’s Fund! Our family and staff have selected this caring and encouraging organization as the inspiration of this year’s theme in honor and support of so many friends and local families that have had their children hospitalized, in treatment and battling many illnesses.

Design our 2018 corn maze!

Get your creative caps on, think about how Tomorrows Children’s Fund helps our community and draw what you feel would brighten someone’s day. If there is someone special who inspires your drawing then feel free to tell us about them – there is an area for this on the entry form (not required). Artwork from the winning entry will be featured in our 2018 nine-acre corn maze! Winner will also receive a Fall Fun Farm Prize Pack – goodies from our farm market for you to enjoy a special visit to our farm!

Contest Rules

  • Must be 17 years of age and under to enter.
  • All entries must be submitted on our official Corn Maze Design Contest entry form.
  • All entries must be designed in black or blue ink
  • Deadline: All entries must be received – or postmarked if using US Mail – by 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 20th, 2018.
  • By entering you understand that the original design may be altered and edited for corn maze design purposes and that the artwork itself will be shared and promoted in conjunction with our 2018 Fall season farm marketing campaign.
  • Winning Corn Maze Design will be selected by Donaldson Farms Family and staff. Winner will be notified on or shortly after May 30th, 2018.

Options for Entering:

  1. Drop off at our Farm Market:
    358 Allen Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
  2. Email: cornmazecontest@gmail.com
  3. Mail to:
    Donaldson Farms – Corn Maze Design Contest
    176 Airport Road
    Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Want to help TCF?

Want to help out Tomorrows Children’s Fund? Donaldson Farms farm market will accept the following new items to be donated to TCF from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 13th and Sunday, October 14th only.

Please keep in mind TCF supports patients from newborns to 22 years of age. No stuffed animals, please. TCF cannot accept stuffed animals. We will not accept used items. Thank you for your support!

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Play-Doh
  • Bubbles
  • Educational Toys
  • Teen themed arts & crafts
  • Pajamas

Awesome Athletes & Family Day

April 29 – Come join the fun of a walk-a-thon and family fun day, while helping raise money for the Special Olympics New Jersey Area 3 – Morris, Sussex, & Warren. The day will begin with an energizing walk around scenic Donaldson Farms and continue with activities for people of all ages to participate in on the farm. Rain or Shine! This event is presented by the students of Centenary University’s Event Administration Class and hosted by Donaldson Farms.

Schedule:
10:45am – Registration Opens

11:45am – Opening Remarks

12:00pm – Walk Begins

1:00pm – Family Fun Day Activities Begin

**1:30pm – Hackettstown K9 Unit Demonstration

**2:30pm – Centenary Univ. President, David Haney & Lisa Baldwin Performance!

**3:15pm – Hackettstown K9 Unit Demonstration!


– Visit with Special Olympics Athletes
Sauced & Rubbed BBQ!
– Face Painting
– Glitter Tattoos & Balloon Animals by ‘Clowns & Gowns’
– Theatre Performance
– Corn Hole
– Cotton Candy
– Popcorn
– Pony Rides
– Hay Rides 1pm & 3pm
– Laser Tag

Registration for the walk-a-thon includes participation in the walk-a-thon and family fun day activities (Pony rides, hayrides included. Laser tag and food are not included).

Registration Fees:
Participants ages 12+ cost $15
Participants ages 5 – 12 cost $10.
Children under 4 are free to participate in the walk-a-thon.
Special Olympics Athletes cost $5 and must register the day of wearing a uniform or by bringing a medal.

Participants can pre-register online or register in person on the day of event.
To pre-register for the walk
head to https://alumni2.centenaryuniversity.edu/2018AwesomeAthletes.

There is no entry fee for the family fun day activities. Each activity priced individually and can be paid for the day of with cash only.

Food will be available for purchase at an additional cost for all participants of the walk-a-thon and family fun day activities.

Awesome Athletes Walk-a-Thon and Family Fun Day will take place rain or shine!

Thank you to our sponsors!

Donaldson Farms
Smith Ford Motor Company
AutoSport Chevorlet of Mt. Olive
Taphouse Grille
Marley’s Gotham Grill
JCS Painting & Construction
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
Professional Services
Little People’s Academy
Stensgaard Painting
Avelino’s Energy Services
3 Brother’s Restaurant
Sussex County Miners/ NJ Jackals