Families get a behind-the-scenes look at W.B. Saul’s farm

Roxborough’s W.B. Saul High School for Agricultural Sciences celebrated its annual Country Fair Day the same way its students care for the farm and livestock – in all kinds of weather. A gray and rainy start eventually gave way to sunny skies for the school’s biggest fundraiser, which was held Saturday on the 130-acre grounds off Henry Avenue.

There were plenty of farm animals to pet, including a flock of newborn lambs. The lambs, only a few weeks old and not quite used to human contact, shied away from most visitors. Daisy, a pregnant mare who was due on May 1, was showered with gifts and notes of welcome for her future foal from fans and fellow equine barn mates.

The event featured food trucks as well as numerous vendors who provided information on a range of topics such as urban beekeeping, stormwater runoff and adoptable pets from local animal shelters.

The rain let up in time for old fashioned hay rides through some of the school’s fields and recovery skill demonstrations from Philadelphia Search and Rescue canines.

For many, the fair was a chance to pick up some flowering plants in time for Mother’s Day. Also popular with festival goers was the sale of freshly butchered meat from the school’s livestock.

Former student, Gale Mizrachi, who graduated from Saul some 40 years ago, says she comes out to the fair each year in support of her alma mater. Mizrachi now works in Kensington for the Philadelphia School District, but holds a special place in her heart for Saul.

“I really love this school!” she gushed.