Andelin Farm in Sparks is one of those special places visitors and locals alike look forward to every season for their spring, fall, and summer festivals, open to the public since 2010. Having an authentic farm experience nearby run by a genuinely kind family that have your best interest in mind really makes me feel spoiled to be living here. Folks, this is not your avg. pop-up farm experience (I've experienced a bit of these in some big cities). This one comes with homegrown sunflowers, tulips, & pumpkins, farm animals, and experiences like horse riding, gem mining, chick holding, goat feeding, and (stationary) lassoing.
Like many other families, some of my best & most fondest memories were grown here. Some include "milking" a cow (more like a splash zone experience from my perspective, LOL), watching my then toddler getting chased by baby goats trying to munch on his sweater for an afternoon snack, and witnessing pure joy as the kids ran up and down the hills for the ziplines a gazillion times each visit.
Before Andelin Family Farm became a community destination, the land carried generations of agricultural history. Today, the farm is owned and operated by Cameron and Natalie Andelin, whose connection to the property runs deep. Cameron’s parents purchased the farm from the Gaspari family in the early 1980s, but Cameron’s relationship with the land began much earlier through childhood memories, friendships, and time spent exploring the farm. The Gaspari family originally came from Northern Italy and settled in Spanish Springs in 1917, clearing sagebrush, growing alfalfa, and raising cattle with hard work and perseverance. Today, that same farming spirit continues through the Andelin family.Over the years, the Andelin family has been improving the farm, adding & optimizing experiences for everyone's enjoyment and comfort. One year, they added a gemstone mining sluice and a chick holding experience, both of which have been hits with my family over time. They've also been slowly adding in shade tents and places to sit to help with the heat, and even started growing their own sunflowers, pumpkins, & tulips one year for a u-pick experience.
For those who have never visited the farm, it's a huge fenced in area loaded with tons of activities like zip lining, barrel/hay/train rides, farm animals, a barn store, and so much more. Pay a flat fee and enjoy most of the activities all day long (pay a little extra for pony rides, gem mining, feed for the animals, and train rides). Visitors not looking to enter the farm can access the barn store and food trucks and just hang around without paying admission.
Several years ago when the housing developments starting forming around the farm, many Andelin fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering what the future would hold. But lo and behold, Andelin Farm is still here, committed to staying open for everyone to enjoy and continuing to be a place where lasting memories are made. I'm forever grateful for their dedication to preserving this special place.
The farm is well kept and thoughtfully run by the Andelin family and their team who genuinely care about making sure everyone has a great time. I had a chat with one of the owners one year and found that her college son came back into town to lend a helping hand on the farm. For most of their youth, the Andelin children would learn the meaning of true hard work while maintaining the lands throughout the ever changing seasons, welcoming hundreds of guests, and caring for the animals. I'm happy to hear how they've expressed their gratitude as adults for this upbringing to their parents. And the team that helps runs the farm is always so welcoming and fun. The kids and I have had our fair share of precious moments with them (some involve Jiu Jitsu lessons, and rock, paper, and scissor competitions).
On my family's first visit some years ago, we ended up being one of the last families on the farm (time always flies by on the farm) & realized we hadn’t gone on the hayride yet. We asked one of the staff members if there was any chance we could catch one last ride, and with a smile, he said he'd check for us.To our surprise, the owner, Cameron, came out with a big smile and was more than happy to take us himself. As we rode around the farm, he shared a little of its history and chatted with us like we were old friends. There's something really special about an owner who takes the time to make sure every guest has a great experience, even as the day is winding down. Cameron's hands on approach is just one of the many things that makes Andelin Farm such a special place.
After all the baby goat feedings, chick cuddles, gem mining, zip lining, u-picking, screaming my way through Corn Creepers, and surviving the zombie apocalypse, I still haven't had enough of Andelin Farm, LOL. Whether it's the fall festivities, holiday magic, interacting with the workers, or the many events throughout the year, there's always something new to experience. Andelin Farm is a beloved gem and one of those rare places that keeps families coming back year after year. I can't wait to see what new adventures await on our next visit.
