Majestic Goats in the Queen City

Submitted by Charlene Pinckney / Photos by Charlene Pinckney

Despite a gloomy forecast and bruised-gray clouds hovering over Ward Acres Park, families, birders, Boy Scouts and shoppers, along with several others made their way to the Hands & Hooves Sustainability Festival in New Rochelle on June 7th to view a herd of Fat and Sassy goats (https://www.fatandsassygoatsny.com/) as they munched their way through a sea of invasive vines and unruly weeds in various areas of the park. Invited by the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation and the Ward Acres Conservancy, it was the second time the goats made a visit to The Queen City and, as the festival's main event, they did not disappoint. 

Festival goers were not deterred by the threatening skies as they meandered through the park enjoying various activities and events arranged by festival organizers. With the goats corralled in their large “work area” for viewing, young artists were invited to draw their versions of the voracious goats. Other activities included the ArtsWestchester ArtsMobile, composting demonstrations, story time with award-winning storyteller Therese Plair, a birder stroll, a tour of the community garden, rock painting, nature walks, a compost raffle, and an ever-so-popular face painting table. Vendor booths were also present for G.O.A.T shopping. And, should you think the goats were the only ones eating, food trucks and a water station with reusable giveaway cups were nearby for the hungry humans.

Short speeches were delivered by City officials, including Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Parks Commissioner Vin Parise, Council Member Sara Kaye, whose district includes Ward Acres Park, and festival co-chairs Steve Cadenhead and Mia Baudry. The commissioner suggested that, more than likely, Fat & Sassy goats may very well be returning for another tour of duty next year. Greaaaaa-t!

True to the Hands & Hooves zero-waste pledge, with rain clouds closing in and vendors packing up, at the end of the festival, all that remained were smiles, appreciation and hoof prints.