By Jeanni Ritchie
Within the first five minutes I’d held a baby rabbit and a three-day-old goat. There’s something about farm life that makes me understand why Oliver Douglas packed up his wife and their belongings and moved to Green Acres.
Life is so peaceful on Ol’ Mel’s Farm.
And thanks to owner Melanie Moore, artist Monica Boone, and a slew of community supporters, it’s now even more beautiful.
Ol’ Mel’s Farm unveiled Cenla’s latest Community Heart—a two-sided art installation combining farm life and faith—last month as those who’d contributed to the project were welcomed for the ceremony, as well as a morning on the farm.
Artist Boone said the process took a week to complete, inspiration having hit immediately as she began. Each side featured a scene paired with a Bible verse.
Moore thanked everyone, sharing info on the Explore Alexandria-Pineville program and encouraging guests to visit all of the Community Hearts around Cenla.
A hot dog lunch was served, but most of the kids—and adults too—were more interested in feeding the animals than themselves! We fed the cows, chickens, and goats—and loved on the newborn animals.
Ol’ Mel’s Farm is a fun way to spend the day. Birthday parties, field trips, mobile petting zoo, summer camps, retreats, goat yoga, and open farm hours are just a few of the things offered. Follow them on FB for a complete schedule:
