Do you want to get in on some Groundhog’s Day festivities but can’t make it to Punxsy?
Groundhog Winterfest is the first event to be held at the new Port Farms brewery, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, 2055 Stone Quarry Road, Waterford. The admission-free event runs Friday 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.
It celebrates not just the opening of the brewery, but the origins of Poverty Knob. The farm has been in the family since 1897, first growing potatoes, and more recently perfecting the fun of agri-tourism with festivals taking place there in every season.
Current owner Jerry Port’s grandmother Beatrice Port named a portion of the farmland “Poverty Knob” due to its poor crop production. The ground was gravelly and dry, and groundhogs constantly ate any hearty crops that dared grow.
These days, wagon rides offer a look at that part of the property, located near the train tracks where the wagon ride makes its turn around. Wagon rides are part of the fun going on this weekend, as part of a party featuring resident groundhogs dubbed “Tater” and “Spud.” Observant visitors might notice their tracks set into the new concrete leading from the parking lot up to the new alehouse.