By Megan Freeman, Apr. 19, 2022
Spring has begun at Cal Poly Pomona and to celebrate, AGRIscapes hosted its event “Egg Hunt and Spring Fun on the Farm” on April 9. The event let children of all ages hunt for Easter eggs and celebrate the lamb Oreo’s birthday.
Ever since Oreo, named for his distinct black and white coloring, was born in March 2020, he has drummed up plenty of publicity. With plenty of fresh produce and activities, his birthday was a celebration for the whole family.
“I like this event because I like all the animals, and I like that we had a birthday party for Oreo,” said Veronica Grant, the assistant outreach coordinator at AGRIscapes. “It’s just a nice family fun event, and it’s always nice to come out and see everything.”
There was something for everyone on the farm, such as vendors selling vegetables like colored carrots and honey that are cultivated on CPP’s very own soil.
Despite it being a hot day, everyone seemed excited and ready to start the event. Many children were excitedly running around and shrieking for the Easter bunny. The event also offered a hayride and a cow train to tour the beautiful farm.
Grant shared that she loves her job and being able to help students at CPP. “My love is animals, but any student that comes to us with an idea, we try to make it happen or put them onto the right resources on campus,” said Grant.
Oreo was brought up on the stage to be appropriately celebrated, sporting a sparkly, golden happy birthday-themed crown along with a happy birthday sign featuring a drawn picture of Oreo.
At the petting farm, attendees could feed the goats and lambs on the farm. Oreo was there after his celebration and received many snacks throughout the day. He would trot up to people and wait to be fed.
Some other workers at the event had something to say about Oreo’s behavior. Since he has been around humans his whole life, he can be comfortable around them, but sometimes he can be quite stubborn.
“You know, he was a little sassy in trying to get him captured,” said Kylie Carter, a worker of the event and an animal science major. “But honestly, I am so happy that it is his second birthday.”
AGRIScapes also had a photo stand where attendees could pose as a goat and sheep alongside Oreo.
The event was well-attended with tickets selling out. As a result of the new COVID-19 policy on masks, some attendees and the employees wore masks.
The field where the egg hunt was held featured different colored eggs and had enough for every child in attendance. The Easter Bunny made an appearance and would greet families during the egg hunt.
The event was lively as families flocked to the petting zoo with their children, patiently waiting for the egg hunt and to celebrate Oreo’s birthday.
“This has been my favorite event so far,” said Samantha Bumanglag, a worker at the event and animal science student.
To find out more about AGRIscapes and the Discovery Farm, click here.
Feature image courtesy of AGRIscapes.