Maasdam Barns to host ‘Babies at the Barns’

FAIRFIELD – Maasdam Barns in Fairfield will host another installment of its popular “Babies at the Barns” this weekend.

The event is just the first in a series of special and free events the barns will hold once a month now through October.

Babies at the Barns gives the public a chance to see and pet baby animals. This year’s event will feature newborn horses, piglets, chicks, lambs and bottle calves. Maasdam Barns Historic Preservation Committee members Tony Webb and Leon Connelly said this will be the eighth year of the event, which usually draws 200-300 people. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.

Other events at Maasdam Barns to look forward to are:

Driving Clinic

May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event, put on by the Draft Horse and Mule Association, will give visitors a chance to hop on a wagon and steer the horses. An expert will demonstrate how to handle draft horses.

Flag Retirement Ceremony

June 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

A local Boy Scout Troop will assist in demonstrating how to properly discard an American flag with a ceremony before it is destroyed. The event also coincides with Flag Day.

Stock Dog Demonstrations

July 12, 3-7 p.m.

Mary Bolton of Columbus Junction will lead this program in demonstrating how stock dogs such as border collies are used to herd livestock such as sheep and goats. Connelly and Webb said this should be both educational and entertaining.

Playground Party

Aug. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Maasdam Barns has dedicated a segment of its property to displaying the classic playground equipment from William Louden manufactured in the early 1900s. The committee invites the public to both learn about Louden and his legacy, and for youngsters to take a turn on the merry-go-rounds, swings and slide.

“I played on this stuff at Richland grade school,” Connelly said.

Barnyard Bash

Sept. 19, 4-7 p.m.

One of the biggest events in town, the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce puts on this event every fall at Maasdam Barns. This year, the event is the day before Kiwanis Kids’ Day. Connelly and Webb said this draws about 1,000 people.

Escaramuza Quetzalli

Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m.

Just one day after the Barnyard Bash, Escaramuza Quetzalli will perform at the barns, demonstrating their style of Mexican horsemanship. The all-female group shows off their long, flowing and ornate dresses while riding side-saddle on their horses.

This is the third year Maasdam Barns has hosted the group, and Connelly and Webb are hoping that the new time and date will lead to a larger audience. The event will be in the afternoon, after all the festivities at Kiwanis Kids’ Day. This year, it will feature young boys showing off lasso tricks, and possibly dancing horses.

Loop Trail Drive

Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Maasdam Barns Preservation Committee turns 20 years old this year, and plans to celebrate with a ceremony during Jefferson County Conservation’s Loop Trail Drive. The ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m., where the group’s founding members will be honored, and cake and root beer floats will be served.

Webb and Connelly said the committee could always use fresh blood on its board of directors, and more volunteers. Those interested can visit the group’s Facebook page or call Webb at 641-919-8061.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com