On April 2, Hidden Camp Farm in Canajoharie was beset by a fire.
However, thanks to fellow members of the local Amish community, it was merely three weeks before the new barn’s structure was pretty much complete. They’ve spent the past month tying up loose ends and doing the necessary work to open their new farm store, which will hold an open house on June 10.
The fire originated from a heater and set the chicken barn a blaze. In addition to the livestock gone, the family also lost a plethora of essential tools and equipment. Since then, they’ve been re-upping their supply to bring the farm store and their delivery services back up to the standards they’ve been setting for years.
The open house will take place at their farm from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and farm-fresh products like grass-fed beef and pastured eggs will be available for purchase. The family will also be thanking guests with free milk and cookies.
The King family moved to Canajoharie in 2009 from Lancaster, Pennsylvania — an area often considered the hub of the Amish community.
The family long dreamed of owning its own farm, and was finally able to accomplish that dream after moving to Montgomery County.
Once they were up and running, they sold their products across the region to markets and wholesalers. In 2020, they pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales. Since then, they’ve been delivering and shipping their products straight to customers.
Although the fire was quite the hiccup, they’ve been able to bounce back quickly thanks to their community rallying behind them. Almost as soon as the word spread, friends and family were at the farm ready to help.
“This happened Sunday. Sunday night, Dad, Mom and I were up until 3 o’clock in the morning trying to figure out how we were going to rebuild,” Daniel King said. “By Tuesday evening, the roof was on and it was absolutely overwhelming.”
Despite the challenges faced by the family, they seized the opportunity for a positive change. During the rebuilding process, they were able to add some things to the barn.
“We’ve always wanted a store where people can walk around and shop,” King said. “We were able to build a little room in the new barn to have our farm store.”
The store is already open for business, but the open house will serve as a way to attract new customers, as well as celebrate the already loyal patrons. The store is at 378 White Road in Canajoharie. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Contact reporter Ameara Ditsche at [email protected]. Keep up with her on Twitter @amearaisawriter.
Categories: Business, Fulton Montgomery Schoharie, News
