It’s not earth shattering news, but on Tuesday August 17, Roxie the Guernsey-Jersey Cow will be celebrating her 13th birthday at Island Farm on Roanoke Island.
Island Farm just not of Manto on old US64 offers a living history trip back in time to a working farm of the 1850s. The land the farm is on was owned by the Etheridge family, one of the most prominent families on Roanoke Island at that time.
In addition to Roxie—her real name is Roxana but she won’t answer to that—the farm features sheep, chickens, a working windmill, original building from the period in addition to Roxie.
Roxie is a milk cow, which would have been a typical breed kept on an 1850 farm. As a working farm, all the animals are treated as if a family of farmers still lived on the land…although the chickens do live longer than they would have in 175 years ago.
Roxie’s birthday party will include some up close time with the bovine, if children of any age wish to meet her, as well a chance to share some of her special treats with her including cucumbers, watermelon and sweet potatoes. And, of course, a special birthday cake that, according to the folks at Island Farm, she’ll be sharing with her chicken friends.
Festivities will be between 1-2 o’clock. Be sure to bring your best singing voice for the group rendering of “Happy Birthday to You.”
Island Farm is open Tuesday through Friday. The birthday celebration is a one day event that is special this year. The Farm offers a number of special events that are fun as well as educational—events such as sheep sheering in the spring and food preparation and blacksmithing year round.
There is always something for everyone to do on the Outer Banks. Be sure to reserve your time with a Brindley Beach Vacations home to enjoy all there is to do.