The treats were cold and sweet Saturday afternoon, Aug. 17 at Round the Bend Farm’s first ever “Sundraiser,” which raised money in the form of ice cream sundaes.

The money raised will be used to support the farm’s education, farming and Manifest Love food donation program.

In addition to the treats, families had the opportunity to tour the farm, see a magic show, juggling, play games and see all the baby goats, piglets and ducklings.

Desa Van Laarhoven, executive director and co-founder of Round the Bend, said, “We just wanted to do something fun in the summertime.”

All the ice cream was donated by Wright’s Creamery and most of the toppings the farm made themselves, Van Laarhoven said.

In the first two to three hours of the event, Round the Bend saw almost 300 visitors, she added. 

Van Laarhoven highlighted the sustainable measures taken during the event, including the use of reusable dishes and cloth napkins. 

“We are constantly trying to celebrate the little things we can do to be more sustainable as a community,” she said. “We’re super lucky to have so many great people all around us that come to support and are creating a beautiful community all around us.”

Her daughter, Nia Van Laarhoeven, 8, said, “The ice cream is delicious,” adding how she was pretty sure it was open to thirds, fourths and maybe even fifths. 

William Tocci, of Westport, said the event was “fun … cause we’re petting goats.”

Sitting in a grassy area under a tree, kids gathered to pet the two miniature dwarf goats. 

“I like how they lick my hand,” said Rowan Gamache, 7.

“This one has like little devil horns,” Gamache added as she spiked up the little hairs on the goats head.