Category: Events

2018 Corn Maze Design Contest - Brighten Someone's Day

Corn Maze Design Contest

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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
Download Contest Form

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 - Raising money for Special Olympics

Awesome Athletes & Family Day

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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

Field Trips at Donaldson Farms - Hackettstown, NJ

Book Your Field Trip

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Plan your next school field trip and bring your class or group for an educational, fun, and unforgettable day on our modern, family-owned and operated, 500+ acre working produce farm. We can tailor any program to your meet your learning objectives and goals for your students or group. Our educational farm tours can be customized based on grade and age level. Each tour may include a fruit picking activity or planting project that everyone takes home, an educational and interactive tractor hayride tour of the farm, and a tasty snack! Equine education, craft and culinary projects may also be incorporated in your farm experience!

Reservations / More Information:

Please call (908) 852-9122  x 2 or send an email to events@donaldsonfarms.net for more information or to reserve your desired date and time. We promise to create a farm experience that your group will remember for many years to come!

Learn More
Harvest Fest - Oct 14-15, 2017

Harvest Fest Weekend (10/14-15)

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Honoring our Veterans and Active Members of the U.S. Military

Join us for this special weekend (Saturday, 10/14 and Sunday 10/15 from 10AM to 4PM) as we honor veterans, active military personnel, and first responders (police officers, firefighters, and EMTs)!

Every October weekend at Donaldson Farms is fun-filled, but our Harvest Fest Weekend is extra-special and packed with all the quintessential autumn actives you can expect from a fall festival PLUS special guests, vendors, live music and more. We’ll honor our Veterans and active members of the U.S. Military in special ways throughout the weekend and provide opportunities for you to give back to the men and women who give their lives for our safety and freedom every day!

FREE Corn Maze Admission for Military and First Responders

During both days of this special weekend veterans, active military personnel, and first responders with proper ID get FREE entry into our military-themed, 9-acre corn maze! Also, $1 from each corn maze ticket this season will be donated to Welcome Home Vets of NJ!

Portraits of Love (Saturday Only)

Portrait of LovePortrait of LoveWho is your favorite member of the military? Treat them to a FREE ‘Portrait of Love’ family photography session on the farm Saturday, October 14th, 12-4pm! Donaldson Farms is proud to host this memory making event! Professional photographers, Rick Gerrity (Panasonic Luminary) and Ulla Vinkman are offering military, active and retired, and their family a 15 minute mini session. Shutterfly will provide an exclusive code for you to access your photos for free. Click here to learn more and reserve your session soon – limited time slots available. Rain or Shine.

Learn More / Reserve Your Spot

 

Other Activities

 

Harvest, Cook & Dine with Chef Eric LeVine

Harvest, Cook, & Dine

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Chef Eric LeVineFoodies, this is your night! Experience farm-to-plate as you never have before with Morris Tap & Grill Executive Chef and Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ Champion, local Chef Eric LeVine, at Donaldson Farms’ 500+ acre working, family owned & operated produce farm! You harvest fresh ingredients and enjoy an interactive, entertaining, hands-on cooking lesson -­- an amazing, fun, and unique dining experience on the farm! A seasonal delectable menu is created for a memorable experience!

This culinary event is limited to 24 participants with 12 workstations – 2 guests per station. Limited seating ensures a fun night with individual attention and guidance by our staff.

Our guests are asked to arrive at the farm by 6:00pm. We will board a hayride wagon and travel through fields of scenic farmland to pick-your-own vegetables, produce and/or herbs for the evening! After we return, we’ll head to our prep stations to cook ingredients under the direction of Chef Eric. To close out the evening, we will enjoy our your meal as a group!

Register Now

 

Event Information

Cost: $115.00 per person/per weekly event

Date: Wednesday, September 13th (RAIN DATE: Thursday, September 14th)
Time: 6:00 pm – approximately 9:00 pm

Entrée: Steak & Shrimp
Sides: Herbs and sides will be based on the produce from our farm that is at its peak so it’s ‘fresh-as-it-gets’
Wine Pairing: TBA
Dessert: TBA

Weather: This event is held in a beautiful tent on the farm. Dress accordingly, check the weather prior to your visit. Crummy forecast? We will decide that evening if inclement weather will interfere with our hayride to harvest ingredients. If that’s the case, we will forgo the hayride and have fresh picked ingredients available for you to cook.

Dress: Dinner casual – we will be harvesting ingredients from the fields and cooking. Ladies, if your heels are not up to the challenge, casual and covered toed shoes are suggested. Evenings may be cooler. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.

Allergens: We will do our best to accommodate our guests with sensitivities/allergies, but cannot guarantee that allergens will not be present.

Farm-fresh ingredients: Our menu each week will be ‘fresh-as-it-gets’. Herbs and sides for each menu will be based on the produce from our farm that is at its peak!

Cancellations: Things happen. Please notify Donaldson Farms ASAP if you need to cancel your reservation. These are limited seating events that are often times wait-listed. Please be courteous.

Refunds or exchanges: No refunds will be given within 72 hours prior to event. Refund and exchange requests will be reviewed by Donaldson Farms management and issued at their discretion.

Payment: All major credit cards accepted. You will be directed to our secure ticketing site after selecting the ‘Register Now’ button below. Please be sure to select the date you are interested in attending. You will receive an email confirmation. Enjoy your time on the farm!

Register Now

Questions? Call our farm market #908-852-9122, press ‘2’ for events or email events@donaldsonfarms.net

To learn more about local favorite Chef Eric LeVine, visit Chef Eric LeVine and his restaurant sites at Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon.

 

What Guests Are Saying

“It was a FABULOUS experience!!! We can’t wait to do it again!!! Chef Eric was fun and very interactive, and as always, the Donaldson Family is so welcoming!!! Thank you for having us!!!!” ~ Melissa M.

“Awesome evening! We can’t wait to learn more from Chef Eric and enjoy great food and company!! Thank for having us!! This was a 10!!” ~ Robin I.

“Such a wonderful experience! Everything was top notch. Now to get the hubby to come along…” ~ Florence K.

“It was such an amazing night and an experience I’ll never forget! Thanks for having us!!!” ~ Angela D.

Review by the Grazette Journal:

“When you hear Harvest, Cook, & Dine, you might think that its only for those passionate about farming. Not true! In our group of 24, there were people from all walks of life. So whether you’re more comfortable in a polo or with a pitchfork, this is an event you should experience. This “pick your own” meets “cooking class” meets “farm to table dinner” is an amazing interactive experience unlike any other in New Jersey. The event, hosted by Donaldson Farms on their farmland set amongst the rolling hills of Hackettstown, NJ, gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself with one of the coolest farms in the Garden State…” ~ Samantha [read more]

Past Event Photos

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”1″ gal_title=”Harvest, Cook, & Dine”]

Learn more about Chef Eric LeVine

To learn more about local favorite Chef Eric LeVine, visit Chef Eric LeVine and his restaurant sites at Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon.

Little Learning Farmers Program

Little Learning Farmers Program

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Join us for our Little Learning Farmers Learning Program at Donaldson Farms, offered weekly in June through mid-September. Sign up for one or more. We feature a new craft every Tuesday!

This program is ideal for pre-school and kindergarten age children.

  • $12.00 for the first participating child (age 2 – 6 years old); $6.00 for each additional sibling (age 2 – 6 years old)
  • Children 1-year-old and under are FREE to attend. *If your child is 1+ and will participate by picking strawberries, planting a plant or creating a craft then please sign them up as a ‘participating child at registration.’
  • Strawberry Fun events are perfect for everyone who loves farm-fresh strawberries! Enjoy a craft and strawberry activity with your little farmer!
  • Tractors & Farm Equipment events are perfect for everyone who wants to see and learn about big tractors and farm equipment! Enjoy a craft and hayride with your little farmer!
  • Craft or activity may be substituted due to inclement weather or crop conditions.
  • When strawberry picking is the featured activity, accompanying adult may purchase a container (pint, quart or flat) in our farm market and pay by the pound for the berries they pick.
  • Children must have adult supervision at all times. Thank you for understanding that this is is not a ‘drop-off event.’ 
  • Please dress for the weather. Sunblock, closed-toed shoes that can get dirty and a sunhat are always a good idea.
  • Events are rain or shine.
  • Registration is required.

Schedule:
Tuesday, June 5th: Tractor & Farm Equipment 9:30am – 11:30am
Tuesday, June 12th: Strawberry Fun – Strawberry Picking 9:30am – 11:30am
Tuesday, June 19th: Tractor & Farm Equipment 9:30am – 11:30am
Tuesday, June 12th: Strawberry Fun – Strawberry Picking 9:30am – 11:30am
**Little Learning Farmers will continue through July, August, and mid-September – program themes will be announced soon!

Registration

Registration for this event is required. Spots are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Payment with Credit Card

Use the link below to register and pay with credit card:

Register Now (Pay with Credit Card)

Payment with Cash or Check

To pay with cash or check, payment must be made in person at our farm market 48 hours prior to their desired event.

Questions: events@donaldsonfarms.net

Harvest, Cook & Dine with Chef Eric LeVine

Harvest, Cook, & Dine

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Chef Eric LeVineExperience farm-to-plate with Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ Champion, local Chef Eric LeVine! You harvest, grill, and enjoy an interactive, entertaining, cooking lesson -­- an amazing and unique dining experience on the farm!

This four (4) week culinary series is limited to 24 participants per weekly event, with 12 workstations – 2 guests per station. Limited seating ensures a fun night with individual attention and guidance by our staff.

This exciting opportunity is presented by Executive Chef/Partner Eric LeVine of Morris Tap & Grill in Randolph, NJ and hosted by Donaldson Farms. Get ready to harvest and prep your own ingredients while dining, all in the same evening. Fresh as it gets!

Our guests are asked to arrive at the farm by 6:30pm. We will board a hayride wagon and travel through fields of scenic farmland to pick-your-own vegetables, produce and/or herbs for the evening! After we return, we’ll head to our prep stations to cook ingredients under the direction of Chef Eric. To close out the evening, we will enjoy our your meal as a group!

A different seasonal and delectable menu has been created for each event in the series. View dates and menu information below.

View Event Dates
Register Now

Event Information

Cost: $115.00 per person/per weekly event Time: 6:30 pm – approximately 9:30 pm

Rain or shine: Our events are held in a beautiful tent on the farm. Dress accordingly, check the weather prior to your visit. Crummy forecast? We will decide that evening if inclement weather will interfere with our hayride to harvest ingredients. If that’s the case, we will forgo the hayride and have fresh picked ingredients available for you to cook.

Dress: Dinner casual – we will be harvesting ingredients from the fields and cooking. Ladies, if your heels are not up to the challenge, casual and covered toed shoes are suggested. Evenings may be cooler. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.

Allergens: We will do our best to accommodate our guests with sensitivities/allergies, but cannot guarantee that allergens will not be present.

Farm-fresh ingredients: Our menu each week will be ‘fresh-as-it-gets’. Herbs and sides for each menu will be based on the produce from our farm that is at its peak!

Cancellations: Things happen. Please notify Donaldson Farms ASAP if you need to cancel your reservation. These are limited seating events that are often times wait-listed. Please be courteous.

Refunds or exchanges: No refunds will be given within 72 hours prior to event. Refund and exchange requests will be reviewed by Donaldson Farms management and issued at their discretion.

Payment: All major credit cards accepted. You will be directed to our secure ticketing site after selecting the ‘Register Here’ button below. Please be sure to select the date you are interested in attending. You will receive an email confirmation. Enjoy your time on the farm!

Questions? Call our farm market #908-852-9122, press ‘2’ for events or email events@donaldsonfarms.net

To learn more about local favorite Chef Eric LeVine, visit Chef Eric LeVine and his restaurant sites at Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon.

Register Now

Our menu each week will be ‘fresh-as-it-gets’. Herbs and sides for each menu will be based on the produce from our farm that is at its peak!

Wednesday, July 19th

Main: Steak
Dessert: Chocolate Raspberry Stack

Wednesday, August 9th

Main: Pork Loin
Dessert: Strawberry Mousse and White Chocolate Cake

Wednesday, August 23rd

Main: Shrimp & Skirt Steak
Dessert: Peaches & Maple Mousse

Wednesday, September 17th

Main: Frenches Chicken & Apple Sausages
Dessert: Wild Berry Caramel Stack

Register Now

What Guests Are Saying

“It was a FABULOUS experience!!! We can’t wait to do it again!!! Chef Eric was fun and very interactive, and as always, the Donaldson Family is so welcoming!!! Thank you for having us!!!!” ~ Melissa M.

“Awesome evening! We can’t wait to learn more from Chef Eric and enjoy great food and company!! Thank for having us!! This was a 10!!” ~ Robin I.

“Such a wonderful experience! Everything was top notch. Now to get the hubby to come along…” ~ Florence K.

“It was such an amazing night and an experience I’ll never forget! Thanks for having us!!!” ~ Angela D.

Review by the Grazette Journal:

“When you hear Harvest, Cook, & Dine, you might think that its only for those passionate about farming. Not true! In our group of 24, there were people from all walks of life. So whether you’re more comfortable in a polo or with a pitchfork, this is an event you should experience. This “pick your own” meets “cooking class” meets “farm to table dinner” is an amazing interactive experience unlike any other in New Jersey. The event, hosted by Donaldson Farms on their farmland set amongst the rolling hills of Hackettstown, NJ, gave me the opportunity to familiarize myself with one of the coolest farms in the Garden State…” ~ Samantha [read more]

Past Event Photos

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”1″ gal_title=”Harvest, Cook, & Dine”]

Learn more about Chef Eric LeVine

To learn more about local favorite Chef Eric LeVine, visit Chef Eric LeVine and his restaurant sites at Morris Tap & Grill and Paragon.

Tack Sale and Swap

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Saturday, May 20th – Tack sale and swap to benefit Helping Hearts Equine Rescue. Come on out from 10AM – 3PM and enjoy this event that includes many items for sale, pony rides (priced individually), and delicious food by Sauced and Rubbed BBQ!

Cost: FREE entry, Food & Pony Rides priced individually
Location: Donaldson Farms (58 Allen Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840)
Rain Date: Sunday, May 21st

Commercial and Individual Vendors Welcome!

Vendor Cost:
$25 – 10’x10′ space under tent (limited) – SOLD OUT
$20 – 10’x10′ lawn area space

Limited spaces are available under our tent. Spaces will be assigned under the tent upon receipt of this form on a first come, first serve basis. Vendors must bring their own tables and chairs for their displays. Vendors may bring their own tents but must provide appropriate stakes and weights.

Vendors will be accepted at the discretion of Donaldson Farms. All applicants will receive a confirmation of their status via email.

Vendor Set-Up & Important Info: Vendors and Tack Sale sellers may ONLY set up between 9-9:45AM and tear down after 3PM. Please look for signs that will direct you to the Vendor area when you arrive. If conditions are windy on the day of the event, please allow time for event staff to assist you with tent anchoring, if applicable. Once unloaded, vendors must park in the general parking area. PLEASE NOTE: All vendor spaces must be cleared immediately after the event. No items may be left behind. Cash payment is due on the day of the event.

Apply to be a Vendor

Questions: Call 908.852.9122, Ext. 2

Tack Sale 2017