By Melissa Waites

The North Jefferson News



A Hayden petting farm is hosting an event to raise money for a new non-profit organization.

The Shar-itt Petting Farm’s “Farm Day,” to be held on June 21, will also provide a way to bring awareness to the farm’s plight of animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Shar-itt Petting Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that became a petting farm in 1997. The farm’s goal is to offer an establishment where there will be a symbiotic relationship between people and animals.

“We rescue farm animals that we hear about or see in the area,” said Shelby Sharitt. “Most are horses, some are goats. We’ve rescued a 2-month-old blind donkey before that had to have cataracts surgery. He was soon adopted out.”

It’s also the only farm in the state that houses Sandman, a bashkir curly stallion as well as King Louie, a French poitou donkey.

“King Louie is his farm name because we can’t pronounce his real name,” Sharitt said. “The farm houses 50 horses as well as many other animals such as goats, peacocks and llamas.”

She said another one of the farm’s main attractions is Clem the camel.

“Everybody loves Clem. He’s very friendly,” she said.

The petting farm’s foundation has recently been started and is awaiting its 501(c)(3) classification.

“I’m hoping the foundation will be able to help animals as well as people.” said Sharitt. “I want everyone to get something out of it.”

The farm is also seeking to help underprivileged children and problem teens. Sharitt works at Bradford Mental Health Center and wants to help the children she comes in contact with. She said she is current in talks with a judge to start a youth program.

The farm is also seeking to obtain a therapist with the foundation.

“Farm Day” will begin at 10 a.m. and go throughout the day.

The $25 per person admission includes a trail ride. The cost is $15 without the trail ride. Hot dogs, chips and drinks are also included in the price.

Other activities will include horsemanship demonstrations on: how to be safe around your horse, taught by the farm’s students; trimming your barefoot horse; and horse training with a bit less bridle.

Visitors will also be shown how to spin wool, knit and crochet. Arts and crafts will also be available.

All money collected will benefit the Shar-itt Farm foundation.

For more information, call the petting farm at 647-0577 or visit the farm’s Web site at www.sharittpettingfarm.org.

Shar-itt Petting Farm is located at 774 Jessica’s Mountain Road.