SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust Let’s Start Spring and Get Charged for Summer! Clovermead Adventure Farm Inc.: Over 50 Bee-utiful Years in Business by Peri Hayes Owned and operated by Chris and Christy Hiemstra, the captivating story of Clovermead Adventure Farm Inc. is rooted in family and resilience. With steady growth over the decades, Christy cheerfully shares their background: “In 1999, Chris’ parents, Henry and Ann, gave us the opportunity to purchase the family honey bee business. At the time, it included 500 hives, pickle pollination, pollen production, and a honey store located in a restored log cabin. In 2000, we moved from Essex County to Aylmer with our three young children and began operating Clovermead full time. I managed the honey shop while Chris worked in the bee yards alongside his father.” The reality of farming bees — subject to weather, pesticides and so forth — proved challenging, as Christy candidly reveals. The pair recognized that if they wanted to sell more honey directly to the public at a fair price, they would need to create something beyond their retail space. This understanding led to the evolution of their on-farm experience, designed to educate adults and children about the world of honey bees. “One of the initial steps was relocating and restoring the historic Brownsville train station onto the farm to host bee tours. From there, growth happened gradually and organically. Starting in 2006, the adventure farm began to take shape on a small scale, with admission around $2.00 per person.” Animals joined over time, including calves, chicks, peacocks, rabbits, sheep, Tom the turkey, and their ever-popular goats. “The
farm blended learning with play, creating features like the “Goat- el 6” — a goat resort where goats climb bridges and relax above visitors — adding humour and curiosity to the farm environment.” “The farm evolved steadily over more than 20 years,” Christy describes. With more guests visiting each season, the Hiemstra family reinvested profits back into the farm – during which their children and dependable team contributed abundant creativity. Meanwhile, Chris and Christy are committed to their own professional development, attending conferences and workshops to enhance their service. The honey shop has also continued to develop, showcasing local products alongside the Clovermead honey. In addition to apparel, toys and treats, their inventory includes candles, jams, maple syrup, sauces, and a wide range of honey products. It’s our Rhubarb Sauce that made us famous! Join the Festivities!
Join the Festivities!
JUNE 13 & 14 Shedden Keystone Complex • Lion’s Breakfast • Music • Food • Vendors • Kids’ Zone • Yard Sales (Sat) • Largest Leaf & Stock Contest (Sat) • Car Show (Sun) • Non-demoninational Church Service (Sun)
• Yard Sales • Music • Food • Car Show • Vendors • Rosy Rhubarb Run • Horse Show Demonstration • Kids Zone plus Batman & Superhero Costume Contest Shedden Keystone Complex JUNE 10 & 11 2026
Enjoy Everything Rhubarb Pies & Sauces
Camping Available
6728 Springfield Rd., Mount Salem 519-765-3834 www.scottlewisauto.com 2023
8–5 Monday to Friday! Call today to book your appointment.
CAMPING AVAILABLE
Full Schedule, Details & Updates on Facebook or rosyrhubarbfestival.com
Rhubarb Capital of Ontario
Experience Everything Rhubarb
Page 6 Real Living • Spring 2026
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